Page:Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography volume 5.djvu/681

 VIRGINIA BIOGRAPHY

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Washington and Louisa Frances (Stewart) Bland, was born in Portsmouth, \'irginia, October 3, 1857, and after finishing his youthful studies in the public schools began the study of law with James G. Stubbs and Hon. William N. Portlock. Well started upon his professional career by the experi- ence gained through association with these gentlemen, Mr. Bland entered the Univer- sity of Virginia, supplying the funds for his tuition through his own labor. Com- pletmg a course m this institution, Mr. Bland was admitted to the bar on February 17, 1898. His active practice in his profes- sion was taken up in partnership with John W. H. Porter, the firm name Porter & Bland. Mr. Bland afterward withdrawing from this association and uniting with Richard J. Davis as Bland & Davis. Both of these firms enjoyed successful continu- ance, the latter connection being later sev- ered and Mr. Bland establishing as Charles T. Bland, as he still remains. His private practice assumed wide dimensions, and this he retained while holding a seat in the Vir- ginia house of represenatives, of which he was a member for ten years. During a part of this time he filled the speaker's chair (protempore) and was recognized by his colleagues as a leader. In debate on the floor of the house he supported measures in whose need and justice he believed, and victory was generally upon his side. In committee, as well as before the assembled house, he labored with faithfulness and dili- gence, bringing to the solution of problems of weighty importance a mind finely trained, judgment temperate and unbiased, and a rigid determination to lend his backing only to legislation having as its aim the best good of the people of Virginia. His politi- cal record thus begun is a proud one, and the qualities and attributes that gave worth to his presence in the house of representa- tives have had no less potent an influence upon his administration of the office of commonwealth attorney, to which he was appointed in 1910.

Noteworthy position in professional and political circles does not bound his activ- ities, for his fraternal relations are many and cordial. Leading the long list is his membership in Montauk Tribe, Improved Order of Red Alen. of which he is past sachem, and which, in spite of his numer- ous other connections, will ever be his fra-

ternal home. He is a member of the Benev- olent and Protective Order of Elks, the Junior Order of United American Me- chanics, the Improved Order of Heptasophs, the Fraternal Order of Eagles, the Order of Owls, of which he is past president, the Order of Buffaloes, in which he is past grand bison of the world, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, of which he is past noble grand, and the Knights of Pythias, in which he is past grand chancellor com- mander of the state of Virginia and a mem- ber of the Supreme Lodge. Of his fellow members in these societies he has made loyal friends, from whom he has not allowed the responsibilities and duties of public life nor the demands of private practice to sepa- rate him. Mr. Bland was for twelve years captain of the First Battery of Field Artil- lery of the Virginia National Guard, and is now upon the retired list of that organiza- tion with the rank of captain. For the past thirty years he has been first assistant fore- man of the Portsmouth Fire Department, giving the organization his loyal support. Mr. Bland is one of the most popular gentle- men in public or business life in the city. Popularity he maintains because of a dis- position and nature likeable in every aspect, reflected in a cordial heartiness of manner free and unassumed, while the universal re- spect that is tendered him is based upon admiration for a character clean and strong. Charles Thomas Bland married, August 6, 1878. Josephine, daughter of William T. and Sarah J. (I'homas) Hyslop, of Ports- mouth, \'irginia, and has issue: Charles Thomas, Jr., deceased; Charles Raymond, deceased ; Ethel Maywood, married Charles B. Cross, and has a son, Charles Bland ; \'ir- ginia Louise, married John Warren Mac- Donald ; William Marshall ; Eularia Fran- ces.

Robert Eden Scott. Robert Eden Scott, of Fauquier countv, X'irginia, born April 23, i8g8, died May '2, 1862.

"His life was gentle, and the elements so mixed in him, that nature might stand up and say to all the world, 'This was a man.' "

Robert Eden Scott, of Fauquier, came of a line of able men of letters so far as his ancestors have been traced on this side of tl;e Atlantic.