Person:Matthew White (5)

http://ftp.rootsweb.com/pub/usgenweb/va/rockbridge/bios/bio-w.txt

MATTHEW WHITE - deceased - was born in Ireland, of the distinguished Irish family of that name, and came seeking his fortune in the New World at the age of eighteen years. By energy and ability he became one of the leading merchants in Lexington, and the largest tax-payer in the county. In Lexington he married Mary C. McChesney, who was born in Rockbridge county in 1801, a daughter of Robert and Elizabeth (Johnston) McChesney, natives of this county, and long honored residents here. Mrs. White was in her eighty-fourth year at the time of her death, having long outlived her companion and two of the children of their union, but up to the time of her death was interested in the welfare of Virginia, and the affairs of her native county. The children of Mr,. and Mrs. White were six daughters and one son: Martha, Anna, Susan, Elizabeth, Mary Louisa, Helen, and Mathew H. The only son was a soldier of the South, holding commission of captain, and was killed on Hunter's raid. The daughter Susan is deceased. The six daughters all married Virginians, who at the call of their native State took up arms in her defense, and were commissioned officers in her army; Gen. Frank Paxton, killed with "Stonewall" Jackson at Chancellorsville; Colonel Lady, who has been a member of the legislature by six consecutive elections, was wounded in 1862, and died from the effects of the wound in 1883; Major Dohnan; Major Paxton (who was killed later on a railroad); Major Williams, and Lieutenant Newman.

Source: Hardesty's Historical and Geographical Encyclopedia (NY, Richmond, and Toledo: H. H. Hardesty and Company Publishers, 1884). p. 411-412.

Transcribed and submitted by Valerie F. Crook" <vfcrook@@trellis.net>