Page:Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography volume 5.djvu/309

 VIRGINIA BIOGRAPHY

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and appreciated in every circle in which he moves. He is deeply interested in his pro- fession, to which he gives most of his at- tention.

Captain Richard Stewett Parks. A de- scendant of distinguished Virginia ancestors with a proud record as educator, soldier, legislature, lawyer and civilian Captain Parks, now past the scriptual allotment of years, is rounding out in peaceful retirement a life-time of adventurous and useful ser- vice, honored and respected of all men. He is a great-grandson of Richard Parks, of Culpeper county, Virginia, who with his brother John, moved to South Carolina. Gabriel Parks, son of Richard Parks, mar- ried Elizabeth Botts, and settled in Rappa- hannock coimty, Virginia, where his son, John Graves Parks, was born.

John Graves Parks, a civil engineer and farmer, married Susan Pannell Stewett, and had two sons, Richard S., of further men- tion, and James Gabriel Parks, sergeant major of the Seventh Regiment Virginia In- fantry of the Confederate army, and al- though shot through the lungs at the second battle of ^lanassas, is yet living, a resident of Cotton Hill, Fayette county. West Vir- ginia.

Richard S. Parks was born in Rappahan- nock county, \'irginia, June 4, 1839. He was educated in an "Old Field" private school remaining at that institution until fifteen years of age, then entering "Bleak Hill Sem- inary" where he finished his years of study. After leaving school he taught in Madison county. Virginia, for eighteen months, at- taining honorable distinction as an educator. He opened a private school in Luray, \'ir- ginia, in 1858, later he spent a few months in the west, then returned to Lurav where he was employed in the county clerk's office and prepared for the profession of law. In January. 1861, he was admitted to the Page county bar, but before becoming fairly es- tr-blished in practice, abandoned his profes- sion and joined the Confederate army. He enlisted in Company K. Tenth Regiment Virginia Infantry, as second lieutenant, and in 1862 was elected captain. His regiment was attached to the old Stonewall Jackson division, led by that great commander. Cap- tain Parks was wounded in the foot. May 8, 1S62, while engaged with the Federal troops under General Milroy at ^McDowell, but continued in the service until 1864 when

Ik- was honorably discharged for disability. He was an intrepid soldier, a dashing offi- cer and led his troops wherever duty called. After retiring from the army, he taught school in Luray for two sessions, then when peace returned, resumed the practice of law. fie served as commonwealth attorney of I'age county for sixteen years, being re- elected and served four terms in that re- sponsible position. He ably upheld the ma- jesty of the law as prosecutor and gained an enviable reputation for his strict adherence to duty. In 1895-96-97-98-99 and 1900 he v.as a member of the \'irginia legislature, also served in the senate one term, and was a delegate to the A'irginia constitutional con- vention representing Page and Rappahan- nock counties. He filled these positions with honor, and when he again returned to the private practice of his profession it was with a rich experience to add to his legal learning. He has since been in continuous practice in Luray, practicing in all courts of the district, state and Federal. His career at the bar has been an honorable one, and has been endorsed by the commendation of his townsmen who have awarded him gen- erous patronage and freely entrusted him with their legal business. He is a member of the various bar associations of the dis- trict and state, held in high esteem by his professional brethren. Captain Parks was one of the charter members of Rosser Gib- bons Camp, No. 89, Confederate Veterans, and is past commander of the camp. He is past master of Lafayette Lodge, No. 127, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons. He is a Democrat in politics, and in religious faith a Baptist.

Captain Parks married, February 7, 1871, Elizabeth Minerva Grayson, born in Luray, Virginia, May 4. 1841, daughter of Benja- min F. Grayson, of Page county, Virginia. Children, both born in Luray: Susan Vir- ginia, married F. W". Berry, and has chil- dren : Laurence, Richard F., Lee G., Vir- ginius. Frank, Elizabeth P., Keightley P>erry : Emma Grayson, married E. S. Morrife.

With a record of a well spent life behind him. Captain Parks, secure in the regard of his townsmen, looks confidently into the future. Progressive and enlightened views are his source of strength and with no doubt or hesitation he advances along the narrow- ing jiathway of life with no regard for the lengthening shadows, concerned only with doing well the duty that each day brings.