Abner W. C. Nowlin facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Abner W. C. Nowlin
|
|
|---|---|
| Member of the Virginia Senate from the Grayson, Carroll and Wythe Counties district |
|
| In office December 6, 1871 – November 30, 1875 |
|
| Preceded by | Alexander Davis |
| Succeeded by | John Calhoun Dickenson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 11, 1833 Carroll County, Virginia |
| Died | March 7, 1906 (aged 72) Washington, D.C. |
| Resting place | Glenwood Cemetery, Washington, D.C. |
| Spouses | Eugenia Adelaid Terry Louisa Nivilson Watkins |
| Children | Ernest, Celia, Ruby |
| Alma mater | College of William and Mary |
| Profession | lawyer |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | Confederate States of America |
| Branch/service | Confederate Army |
| Years of service | 1861–1863 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Unit | 24th Virginia Infantry |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War |
Abner Wentworth Clopton Nowlin (October 11, 1833 – March 7, 1906) was an important person from Virginia. He was a farmer, a soldier during the American Civil War, a politician, an editor, and a lawyer. Later in his life, he helped other veterans and people in need at the Central Union Mission in Washington, D.C..
Contents
Early Life and Family Background
Abner Nowlin was born in Carroll County, Virginia. His father, Bryan Ward Nowlin, was a merchant and farmer. Abner had three brothers: Thomas, John, and David. The Nowlin family had been in Virginia for a long time. Their ancestors came from Ireland in the 1700s and helped settle the southwest part of Virginia.
Abner received a good private education. He then went on to graduate from the College of William and Mary in 1855. After college, he studied law to become a lawyer.
Nowlin's Marriages and Children
Abner Nowlin married Eugenia Adelaid Terry in 1855. Sadly, she passed away in 1859. Later, he married Louisa N. Nowlin. They raised her son, Ernest, and had two daughters named Lelia and Ruby. Ruby was blind and lived most of her adult life at a home for the blind in Washington, D.C.
Abner Nowlin's Career Journey
After becoming a lawyer, Abner Nowlin started his own law practice in southwest Virginia. He also worked as an assistant editor for a new newspaper called The Times in Wytheville in 1856.
Service in the Civil War
When the Civil War began, Nowlin joined the Confederate Army in 1861. He became a private in the 24th Virginia Infantry. He was promoted to Captain in 1862. He left the army in 1863 and then worked as a tax collector for Virginia for the rest of the war. His brother, Dr. John B. W. Nowlin, also served in the Confederate Army.
Post-War Life and Politics
After the war, Abner Nowlin received a pardon. This allowed him to continue his law practice. He also became a farmer, managing a large farm in Campbell County.
Nowlin was elected as a judge by the Virginia General Assembly. In 1871, the people of Virginia elected him to the Virginia Senate. He served as a state senator until 1875.
Life in Washington, D.C.
By 1879, Abner Nowlin and his family had moved to Washington, D.C.. He worked in various roles there. He was an assistant postmaster in 1880, a journalist, a real estate lawyer, and an editor. He also worked as a public printer for Virginia in Washington, D.C.
In 1900, Nowlin was working as a lawyer and as the assistant superintendent of the Central Union Mission. This mission was founded in 1884 and is the oldest social service agency in Washington, D.C. At the mission, people often called him "Judge" out of respect.
Later Years and Legacy
Abner Nowlin passed away on March 7, 1906, due to injuries he received a few days earlier. He is buried at Glenwood Cemetery in Washington, D.C.
He signed a special request asking for forgiveness for Confederate veterans. This important document is kept at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia.
