Page:Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography volume 5.djvu/653

 VIRGINIA BIOGRAPHY

and knightly, and the soul of generosity and hospitality. He married Elizabeth Colum- bia Miller, born in Greene county, Virginia, in 1S24. died in 1892. They were the par- ents of four children, all living: Adelaide Starke, Carrie Lee, Mary James, W'yatt Sanford, of whom further.

Dr. \\'yatt Sanford Beazley. only son and youngest child of Judge W'yatt Starke and Elizabeth Columbia (Miller) Beazley, was born near Stanardsville. Greene county, Vir- ginia. July II. 1868. He was educated in private schools in his native county, and after deciding upon a profession entered the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond, whence he was graduated M. D.. class of 1893. ^^s began practice in East Richmond and later located in the western part of the city, at his present residence. No. 412 North Lombardy street. He soon became affiliated with his alma mater, as instructor in medi- cal iurisprudence, but at the end of two years he resigned this position to devote himself wholly to the practice of his pro- fession. Later he was chosen medical ex- aminer for the Union Central Life Insurance C ompany, the Royal Arcanum, the Ladies (-t the ^laccabees of the World. .which posi- tions he still holds. In the same capacity he has served several of the insurance com- panies of his city. He is a member of var- ious professional societies including the American Medical Association, the State Medical Society, and Richmond Academy of I\Iediciae and Surgery. In political faith ho is a Democrat. A friend to all reformation, particularly for the advancement of woman- hood, he became a member of the Woman's Suffrage League as soon as it was organized in \'irginia. When eight years of age he joined the Good Templars, a temperance so- ciety at Stanardsville. and has since done ?11 in his power to help the cause on to victory. His labors in this direction have been with the Anti-Saloon League from its beginning in his native state. In short, all worthy, needy objects, and every good cause fnds him ready to lend a helping hand. He is a skillful, honorable general j^ractitioner. with the distinction of an unusual power to hold his patients, many of the present ones having employed him at the beginning of his medical career, eighteen years ago Tender and sympathetic, kind and court- eous, cheerful and optimistic, he never fails tc win the love and confidence of those un-

der his care. Many of them have been heard to say that his presence alone had been an inspiration and help to them. Both he and his wife are communicants of the Grave .Avenue Baptist Church.

Dr. Beazley married, in Huntsville. Mis- souri. October g, 1897, Alma Elizabeth Sel- lers, born at Roanoke. Randolph county. Missouri. August 28. 1872. at her father's farm, the homestead of her mother. She is the daughter of William B. Sellers, born in Rockingham county, Virginia. February 28. 1841. died in July. 1909, judge of the probate court of Randolph county, Missouri. He married Virginia .A. Head, born in Ran- dolph county, Missouri, May 31, 1837, and now residing with her daughter. Alma E., in Richmond. She is a descendant of Ben- jamin Head, of revolutionary fame, through John Head, who settled in Alissouri. The Heads settled in \"irginia at an early date and are prominent in several southern states. Children of Dr. Wyatt S. and Alma E. (Sellers) Beazley: Wyatt Sanford, Jr., born July 25, 1898, who when but a lad of eight showed decided talent as writer of fiction, is now making a fine record both as to conduct and as a student in high school ; Virginia Lee, born May i, 1902; Elizabeth Idress, born November 12, 1904; Charlotte Starke, born March 20, 1907.

Benjamin Head, ancestor of Mrs. Alma Elizabeth (Sellers) Beazley, was a citizen of Orange count}'. \^irginia, as early as 1771 ; joined the continental army as a private in Colonel Bland's regiment of horse; was sent on several important expeditions that re- quired the utmost trust and confidence, and in consequence of meritorious and patriotic service was recommended for promotion by Colonel Bland. He was commissioned a captain in Colonel Bland's regiment in 1780, serving until the end of the war. He fought at Brandywine. Trenton, Princeton, Mon- mouth, Germantown and White Plains; was transferred to the southern army, and after his promotion was captured at Laniers Ferry, South Carolina,' and exchanged on May 14, 1781. After his release he con- tinued in the service ; was at the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown, and held the rank of captain at the end of the war. John Head, one of his sons, emigrated to Mis- souri, and another son, Henry, to Sumner county, Tennessee.

Mrs. .Mma Elizabeth (Sellers) Beazley