Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1897-06-22
MR.. NEWTON CHOSEN.
Is ELECTED PRESIDENT OF THE
FIRST NATIONAL BANK.
COLONEL PURCELL YICE-pRESIDENT.
The Two Gentlemen Selected by the
Banks Directory Yesterday After
Careers.
Careers.

Mr. Virginius Newton IS now president
OF the First National Bank of this city,
He was chosen to that high Office yester-
day afternoon by the banks directory,
who, at the same meeting. created the
office of vice-president and placed Colo
mel John Il. Purcell therein.
The action of the directors was In no
wise a surprise to the citizens of Rich
mond, for ii was generally known that
their choice for president was Mr.. New
ton. and though not officially stated. it
was also generally understood that Col
onel Purcell would be made vice-presi-
dent.
The meeting Of the directory was a
short and entirely harmonious one. No
one opposed either Of the gentlemen
chosen TO the two offices, and they were
elected by a unanimous vote.
MIR. MENTIONS CAREER.
Mr. Newton is a native Virginian,
having been born in the city of Norfolk
in 1874. His father, Mr.. G. w. Newton.
and his mother, who was Miss Martha
Tucker Newton, were cousins. His
fathers father, Mr.. Thomas Newton, was
a prominent politician, and was in Con-
gress for thrty-three consecutive years,
representing his district from 1901 TO
1885.
Mr.. Newton himself is typical repre-
sentative of the Newton family, whose
history as a family dates back to 1858.
His people have always been identified
with public interest in official capacities,
and with those of Virginia, ever since
the Old Dominion has been a State.
Mr.. Thomas Newton. close relative
of the newly-eected president. was at
one time president of the branch of the
United States Bank then located in Nor
folk.
At the breaking out of the war Mr.
Newton was identified with the military
organization i'm Norfolk. and in 1861 re-
ceived his commission as a midshipman
in the Confederate navy. He saw service
In this branch of the government, and
participated in the battles of Roanoke
Island and Hampton Roads. When the
struggle ended Mr.. Newton was aboard
the iron ram Stonewall Jackson.
WENT WITH COMMODORE MAURY.
After the war he accompanied Com
modore Matthew +. Maury TO Mexico
and was prominently Identified with the
building OF the railroad between Vera
Cruz and the City Of Mexico.
When Maximllian was dethroned MT.
Newton returned TO this country. In
1874 he came TO this city ana asso-
ciated himself with the firm OF Tanner
& Delaney Engine-Works. Before TINS
firm was merged into the present Rich
mond Locomotive and Machine-N Norks'
Mr. Newton withdrew from the company
and identified himself with the firm of
Davenport & Co.. general insurance
stock brokerage, and bankers. Uhoer
his capable management the analrs OF
this company have been most success
fully conducted.
Mr.. Newton has been partner in TINS
firm ever since he associated himself
with II. In 1876 he married Miss Mary
Heath Davenport, a daughter or the late
Isaac Davenport, OF this clty.
COLONEL PURCELL.
Colonel Purcell is one of the best
known businessmen in Richmond. and
one Of the most progressive merchants
here. He has had wide experience in
matters of finance, having for some time
been a director in the First National
Bank. and though his new dutiss will
not be allowed TO interfere with his other
business interests, he will prove Valua-
bic assistant to Mr.. Newton.
Mr. Newton, who is now president or
the Union. as we'll as of the First Ma
tional Bank, will continue to hold men,
bership in the firm of Davenport & Co.,
though ne will nave his office In the
First National Bank building. and de-
vote the greater portion Of his time to
the two financial institutions.