Page:Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography volume 5.djvu/166

668 Church, Richmond, in January, 1878, Fanny Johann, born in Richmond in 1852, daughter of Caspar Johann, born in Germany, but when young came to Richmond, where for thirty years he maintained a merchant tailoring establishment. He married Fredericka Temple, born in Goethe, Germany, who bore him five children, three of whom are now living, Fanny, widow of Charles Miller. Matilda and Laura, both unmarried, and all residents of Richmond. Children of Charles and Fanny (Johann) Miller: Laura, born October 2, 1886; Fanny, November 10, 1888, both born in Richmond, where they now reside with their widowed mother.

Frederick Pleasants. In 1664 John Pleasants, the earliest known ancestor of the family, settled at Curies Neck on a grant of land received from the King of England. From the earliest days of the city of Richmond the family of Pleasants has been connected therewith, a connection beginning when the city of today was in its infancy, Joseph J. Pleasants, grandfather of Frederick Pleasants, having been one of the engineers who laid out many of the streets, parks, etc. In this time many of the family have rendered valuable and appreciated service to the city, county and state, from which high honor has come to the name.

(I) Joseph J. Pleasants was born in Goochland county, Virginia, in 1799, died in 1884. He was a planter and civil engineer. He and his son, George Dillwyn, platted Hollywood Cemetery before its use as a burial ground had begun. His wife was Miss Bates, who preceded him to the grave by many years, having borne him: Benjamin B., William H., Mary, George Dillwyn, of whom further, Nannie, Walter F., Julia, who now lives on the home estate, Marion Hill, Henrico county, Virginia, which Joseph J. Pleasants bought and made his residence.

(II) George Dillwyn Pleasants, son of Joseph J. Pleasants, was born in Goochland county. Virginia. October 7, 1830. died June 21, 1904. Upon attaining man's estate he made his calling that of his father, planting and surveying, being for a time associated with him in business. The greater part of his life was passed in Richmond, and here he died. He was sheriff of Henrico county immediately after the war between the states, and was subsequently presiding magistrate in the Henrico county court. His religious beliefs were those of the Society of Friends, and although his peaceful sect discountenanced war strongly, his patriotism and sense of right and justice so far overruled the teachings of his faith that he served as purchasing agent for the Confederate States army. After the war he joined the Baptist church. George Dillwyn Pleasants was a man held in universal high esteem, widely known and liked because of a nature so fair and generous that it defied antagonism. He married. November 15, 1856, Martha J., daughter of Joseph Edwin Pleasants, of Goochland county, Virginia, a distant relative, and had issue, six of their twelve children now survive: Frederick, of whom further; Arthur Lee, lives in Richmond; Irene, married John Mallory, deceased, of Richmond; Bertha, married Stanley B. Tyler, of Richmond; George Dillwyn Jr., resides in St. Louis, Missouri: Percival C, of Richmond.

(III) Frederick Pleasants, son of George Dillwyn and Martha J. (Pleasants) Pleasants, was born at Marion Hill, the homestead in Henrico county, Virginia, October 18, 1858. He was educated in the common schools of his native county. In 1879 he came to Richmond and the following year entered the fire insurance business with his father. Success has attended his efforts and he has written policies almost without number, his clientele an important and influential one. He is a Democrat in politics, and has served on the governor's staff under Governors O'Farrell and Tyler. He was also for many years on the City Democratic Committee. A member of the Second Presbyterian Church, his fraternal society is the Masonic order, and in this organization he has since 1895 been treasurer of the Grand Lodge of Virginia. Mr. Pleasants is an active citizen of many interests, prominent in Richmond, and a leader in movements for the improvement and advancement of the city, aiding with his time, purse and services.

Mr. Pleasants married, in Halifax county, Virginia, November 5. 1895, Emma, born in Richmond, Virginia, January 16, 1873, daughter of Clement Read and Jennie E. (Venable) Barksdale, both natives of Virginia, her father born in Farmville, a tobacco merchant, who died in Richmond in