Page:Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography volume 5.djvu/366

 802,

VIRGINIA BIOGRAPHY

religious affiliation is with the Grace Epis- copal Church. He is a member of Lee Camp, No. i, Confederate Veterans of Rich- mond, and a member of the Masonic frater- nity. In this organization he is a member of one lodge and an honorary member of three others. He has served four terms as master of his lodge, two terms as district deputy grand master, and has been twice grand master of the state. He was chair- man of the committees on jurisprudence and is chairman of foreign correspondence, and has written the history of a lodge datnig back to 1792, although he is not a member of it.

Dr. Eggleston married, November 17, 1864, while on a fifteen days' furlough, Lucy A. Jefferson, of Amelia county, Virginia, a daughter of John Garland and Otelia (Hew- lett) Jefferson. Children : Maud, whose death occurred in 1888, married Conway Barksdale ; Joseph Cary, of Amelia county, Virginia ; Garland Jefferson, died at the age of three years ; Edward, a retired dentist of Amelia county ; George Craig, M. D., of Amelia county; Otelia B., married W. C. B. Haff, of the Hanover National Bank, of New York City ; Elizabeth Myles, married Hun- ter McGuire, of West Virginia ; Grace de Kalb, who married John S. Eggleston, died in 1912; Coke Terrell, died in infancy; Helen Mar, is unmarried, and lives with her father, Dr. Joseph William Eggleston ; Lucy Virginia, married H. P. F. Berkley, of Richmond, 'Virginia ; Marion R., a den- tist, is the partner of his father ; Eugene C, M. D., engaged in the practice of his pro- fession at Fries, Gra}son county, Virginia.

Alexander Trent Miller, a substantial and successful business man of Richmond, pass- ed away at his home in that city, April 22, 1008. A son of George and Mary Miller, he was born in 1854, in Nelson county, Vir- ginia, and received his education under the charge of Rev. Dr. W' hite, a Baptist clergy- man, residing in Fluvanna.

Though of quiet nature, he was ambitious to engage in business, and when a young man went to Richmond, where he entered the employ of the Richmond Cedar Works. By studious application to his duties he gained a knowledge of the business, and his faithfulness and native ability were noted by his employers, who were not slow to avail themselves of his service in more re- sponsible capacities. In every situation

where placed he proved to be honest and efficient, and his constant cheerfulness and suave manners made him valuable as a busi- ness agent. For several years preceding his death he was special agent of the company, and traveled much in its interest. He was intrusted with the purchase of stocks and the making of large contracts, and in every case showed fine business ability and fair- ness to all concerned. His death was mourned by many warm friends, and by his business associates, as a great loss to the social and business life of the city. Mr. Miller was among the most unassuming of men, seeking no public recognition and con- tent in the consciousness of duty performed and the esteem and love of his family. His leisure time was given to his home, and he was not affiliated with any societies except that of the Presbyterian church, in whose welfare he was deeply interested and to whose support he gave freely of his time and means. One of the most broad-minded of men, he felt an interest in mankind, was ever ready to condone the faults of his fel- lows and to off'er words of cheer and en- couragement to those who struggled for the attainment of high and noble ends. With serene consciousness of his own integrity, his example and sympathy helped many along the rugged road of life, and when his time came he gladly laid down the burden of existence in calm expectation of the hap- pier home beyond. His example will ever remain a beacon to lead those who come after along lines of worthy endeavor, help- fulness and hope. Like most of his contem- poraries, Mr. Miller gave his vote and sup- port to Democratic principles, but public station had no charm for him, and he was content to be a private in the conduct of public affairs, registering his choice and leaving the struggles and honors of politi- cal strife to those who might find satisfac- tion in them. As a citizen he was respected and esteemed and was surrounded by many warm friends, in whose society and friendly regard he basked and found enjoyment. His home life was ideal, and his memory will ever be a comfort to the family to which he was so devoted and kind.

He married, December 4, 1883, Minnie H. Deaton, daughter of James C. and Ann (Lynch) Deaton, a native of Petersburg. James C. Deaton was the owner of several coal mines in Chesterfield county, Virginia. He was of French Huguenot ancestry, and