Page:Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography volume 5.djvu/449

 VIRGINIA BIOGRAPHY

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In addition to his work in educational matters, President Tyler has accomplished much in the historical line. He was prob- ably the first man in V'irginia to make a regular study of the county records by per- sonal visits to the clerk's offices in all parts of Eastern Virginia; and in 1895 he per- suaded the legislature to appropriate five thousand dollars to begin the copying of the early books in the county courts. The result of this movement has been to add to the state library seventy-five or more folio and quarto volumes containing copies of the records of ten or twelve of the oldest counties — thus affording a treasure-house of facts relating to the early history of Virginia. In 1892, Mr. Tyler began the publication of "The Wil- liam and Alary Quarterly," the first strictly historical magazine published in Virginia. In its columns he has put on record many facts relating to the college history, the his- tor)' of Virginia, and the history of the United States. Philip Alexander Bruce, the distinguished author, has written that the William and Mary College "Quarterly" would constitute by itself a "monument" to any man.

Amidst all these engaging labors. Presi- dent Tyler has found time to write numer- ous essays and addresses and even books for the public notice. Among the more im- portant of his books may be mentioned "Parties and Patronage in the United States" (1890), one of G. P. Putnam's "Ques- tions of the Day" series ; "The Cradle of the Republic" (1900) ; and "The English in America," Harper Brothers (1905).

President Tyler is a member of many soci- eties, social as well as literary. In Rich- mond he became a Mason, an Odd Fellow, a Red Man, a Knight of Pythias, and a mem- ber of other social orders, but, since becom- ing connected with the college, he has found his duties too engaging to permit him to continue his affiliation with them. He is a member of the American Philosophical As- sociation, of the American Historical Asso- ciation, vice-president of the Virginia His- torical Society ; honorary member of the Maryland Historical Society, Pennsylvania Historical Society, Xew England Historic- Genealogical Society, and other literary soci- eties. He is a member of the order of the Sons of the Revolution, of the Society for the Preservation of Virginia Antiquities, of the Phi Beta Kappa Society, and other patri-

otic bodies. For four years he served as a member of the state board of education. Lately he has been elected a member of the state library board. He has received the Doctor of Laws degrees from the following institutions: Trinity College, Connecticut, 1895; University of Pittsburgh, 1912; and Brown University, 1914.

Dr. Tvler draws from the experiences of his life the lesson that a strong will power is half the battle of success. The practical test of any important proposed action is a night's sleep upon it. He tells young men never to undertake anything important with- out letting one night pass before action. After action is taken, then he urges them never to back down, but fight the fight to the end. The most important part of any man's mental strength is his will power, and it must not be trifled with.

In conclusion, we may say that Dr. Tyler, as an authority on the antiquities of the state, is almost without a rival, his opinion being sought for in many quarters. His \\'illiam and Mary "Quarterly" adds prestige to even that famous institution.

One of President Tyler's greatest achieve- ments is his defence of his father's adminis- tration. Since his publication of "Letters and Times of the Tylers," and various papers based upon that, the attacks upon President John Tyler in books and encyclopedias have been less numerous and less violent. He has ably vindicated his father from many unjust slurs and assaults.

Dr. Tyler married, in 1878, Annie B. Tucker, daughter of Lieutenant-Colonel St. George Tucker, poet, and author of "Hans- ford, a tale of Bacon's Rebellion.'' He has three children, two daughters and one son, John.

Dr. Tyler's address is Williamsburg, Vir- ginia.

Beverley Dandridge Tucker, Protestant Episcopal clergyman, was born in Rich- mond, \'irginia, November 9, 1846, son of Nathaniel Beverley and Jane Shelton (Ellis) Tucker. He is descended from a long line of American ancestors of English descent, the first American progenitor of which was one George Tucker, of Crayford, Milton Manor, County Kent, England, who emi- grated to Bermuda about the year 1619. His descendant. Judge St. George Tucker, went to Virginia about 1770, settling in Williams-