Page:Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography volume 5.djvu/356

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\"1RGINIA BIOGRAPHY

tain Henry and Susan Preston (Lewis) Massie, was born July 4, 1816, in Bath county, Virginia. His father conveyed to him property known as "Rock Hill," con- sisting of eleven hundred and fifty acres and situated within the boundary of a county just then being formed, known as Alle- ghany county. He continued the rural mode of life followed by his ancestors, and farmed this large estate. He finally made his home near the town of Charlottesville, Virginia, and there died April 22, 1878. at the age of sixty-two years. He married, March 23, 1841, Susan Elizabeth Smith, a native of Savannah, Georgia, born February 5, 1822, died November 25, 1887, at Copeley, Albe- marle county, Virginia, only child of Charles Bolton Smith, of Savannah, Georgia, and his wife, Caroline S. R. (Thomson) Smith, of St. Matthews Parish, South Carolina. To Mr. and Mrs. Henry Massie were born eight children: Henry Lewis, O. S. P. 1887; Caroline Thomson, the widow of James Pler-sants, grandson of Governor James Pleasants, of Richmond, Virginia ; Sarah Lewis (Lulie). O. S. P., 1878; Thomas, O. S. P., 1863 ; William Russell, mentioned at length below; Susan E., O. S. P., 1868; Charles Philip, O. S. P., 1863; Eugene Car- ter, mentioned below.

(VIHi \\'illiam Russell Massie. son of Henry and Susan Elizabeth (Smith) Massie, and of the eighth generation in direct de- scent from Alexander Massie, the founder of the family in this countr3% was borri Feb- ruary 24, 1852. in Orange county, \'irginia. When he came of an age to attend school he was sent to those of Albemarle county, whither his father had moved in his early childhood. The new home of the family was in Charlottesville, the seat of the famous University of Virginia, and the boy went to two of the best known schools of the place at different times, those of W. R. Abbott and H. W. Jones. After complet- ing this more elementary portion of his studies, and having adequately prepared himself for college, he matriculated in the law school of the Universitv of \'irginia. an institution whose reputation draws stu- dents from all parts of the United States, and, indeed, from the rest of the world. At the age of twentv-three he began the prac- tice of law in Richmond, Virginia, and re- mained there for three years. Then in re- sponse to a belief that an opportunity in his profession awaited him in the west greater

than at home, he removed to Chillicothe, Ohio, but remained there for a year only, then returned to Virginia. On his return to his native state, he entered the banking business, and has continued in this ever since. Mr. Massie has been eminently suc- cessful in banking, and has come to fill a very important position in the financial world of Richmond. He held for some time the position of cashier for the Union Bank of Richmond, but in 1896, after an associa- tion of two years with this concern, with- drew and in connection with a number of other prominent men founded the banking firm of Hobson, Massie & Leigh. It is from the inception of this concern that Mr. Massie's prominence in the business world has dated, for with the great growth of the house, its principals have come more and more into the notice of the industrial and financial leaders of that region, and, indeed, are now recognized as such themselves. Mr. Massie's reputation is an enviable one, and he is regarded as one of the most substan- tial men of business and affairs in the city, his integrity is recognized as unimpeachable and his ability of the very first water. But Mr. Massie does not confine himself entirely to the duties involved in the management of his great banking business, a tendency only too prevalent among the successful business men and financiers of this day and genera- tion, and whereby their sympathies and understanding is woefully narrowed. On the contrary, he gives generously of both time and attention to many of the depart- ments of the life of the capital city. He is a member of the Democratic party, and takes a keen interest in all political ques- tions, whether these involve issues of national or local import, and watches with an intelligent eye the whole political field, alike regarding the great social and eco- nomic movements which fill with both threat and promise the age we live in, and the insistant questions of city policy, which it is the duty of a democratic people to be ever alert to. 'Sir. Massie is also a promi- nent club man in Richmond, and a member of the most important clubs and societies in that city, among which may be mentioned the Commonwealth Club, the \\'estmore- land. the Country Club, the Hermitage, the Golf Club and many others. His religious affiliations are with the Episcopal church, of which he is a devoted and active member. He and Mrs. Massie attend St. James'