Edna Jones Collier, “The Old Virginia Gentleman" (1911)

Edna Jones Collier, “The Old Virginia Gentleman.” The American Monthly Magazine, Vol XXXVIII JANUARY, 1911, No. I. Compressed. 

Many of you have no doubt heard or read the famous lecture of Dr. Bagley, entitled "Bacon and Greens," and chuckled over his vivid description of "The Old Virginia Gentleman." You may be interested in knowing that a portrait of the Hon. James Steptoe, of Federal Hill, Bedford Co., Va., painted by Harvey Mitchell in 1826, was the inspiration of this interesting lecture. This "Old Virginia Gentleman" was a worthy representative of the House of Steptoe, whose forefathers played an important part in the history of the "Old World" . . .

The Hon. James Steptoe, the original "The Old Virginia Gentleman," was born in the year of 1750, at "Homany [Hominy] Hall," Westmoreland Co., Va. He was educated at William and Mary College, and while there was a fellow student of Thomas Jefferson. They formed a close friendship, which continued throughout life. It was through the influence of Jefferson that James Steptoe was appointed to an office under Secretary Nelson, after which he was transferred in 1772, at the early age of 22, to the clerkship of the District Court at New London, in Bedford Co., Va. This position he held until his death in 1826, having served fifty-four years. He married Frances Calloway, a daughter of Col. James Calloway, of Bedford Co.

The Hon. James Steptoe built the manor house known as "Federal Hill,'' and it was here that he spent his useful life surrounded by his family, and noted for his sincerity and hospitality. This mansion was situated three miles from "Poplar Forest," the abode of his friend, Thomas Jefferson, who loved to seek seclusion there during his intervals of rest from public service. . . [Federal Hill is located near Forest, Campbell County, Virginia]

James Steptoe was not only noted for his hospitality and justness, but also for his charity. Driving along in his coach and four, he passed the house of a certain widow, Mrs. Chaffee. Upon noticing a crowd gathered around, he sent his coach man, Ben, to inquire the cause. Hearing that the poor woman was being sold out for debt he descended from his carriage, stopped the auction, paid the mortgage, and added one more noble act of charity to his record.

James Steptoe was beloved by everyone, and especially so by his slaves, whom he had taught different trades that they might support themselves after his death when, by his will, they were all set free. [This strongly deserves a follow-up investigation. What became of them after freedom?]

A handsome monument in the old family burying ground in Bedford Co. bears this inscription, "James Steptoe, born 1750, died 1826, for fifty-four years the Clerk of Bedford County." The office of clerk of the Court of Bed ford Co. has been held by the Steptoe family in its lineal and collateral branches for more than a hundred years. The character of James Steptoe may be described in a few words, integrity, independence, and the strictest form of republican simplicity. 

Though descended, as has been shown, from a long line of the better class of English gentry, he never alluded to it himself; in fact, it was not known in his family until after his death, when they learned it through his correspondence. He was a man who held very decided opinions on all subjects, and would at times express them as to men and public affairs in very strong language, being strong in his friendships and equally strong in his dislikes.

As a clerk, he was everything that could be desired, polite and obliging, as all Old Virginia Gentlemen are, careful and attentive in the business of his office and in court, and ever ready at all times to give information and advice to those who needed it.

The Hon. James Steptoe and his wife, Frances Calloway, were the parents of five sons and four daughters, thus — Major James, who succeeded his father as Clerk of Bedford, and who married Catherine Mitchell; Dr. William, of Lynchburg, who married first Nancy Brown, and second Mary Dillon; George, of Bedford Co., who married Maria Thomas; Robert, of Bedford Co., who married Elizabeth Leftwich; Thomas, who inherited the old home, married Louise C. Yancy; Elizabeth Premise [Prentiss], who married Hon. Charles Johnston, of Richmond, Va.; Frances, who married Henry S. Langhorne, of Lynchburg, Va.; Sallie, who married William Massie, of Nelson Co., Va.; Lucy, who married Robert Penn, of Bedford Co., Va. James Steptoe's descendants are scattered throughout the United States, and are among our most distinguished citizens. He has also descendants in England.

The old portrait by Harvey Mitchell is now owned by the Rt. Rev. James Steptoe Johnston, Bishop of Western Texas; and a fine copy of the same is owned by Mrs. William Waldorf Astor, of Cliveden-on-the-Thames, England. 

[James Steptoe (July 16, 1750-May 30, 1826)

Frances Calloway (1760-1807)

Harvey Mitchell (1799-February 26, 1866)

Charles Johnston (1769-1833)

Elizabeth Prentiss Steptoe (1783-1820)

Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)]