Fitzhugh Elder, Jr. (1917–?) was a Staunton attorney who became Commonwealth Attorney in 1945, following his grandfather’s earlier service in the same role. A descendant of prominent Virginia families, he studied at the University of Virginia, practiced law in Staunton, and served Trinity Episcopal Church and local civic organizations. He and Genevieve Louise Benckenstein had two children.
Michael E. Kivlighan, born in Staunton in 1914, was a lawyer, photographer, and owner of the Camera Shop, which opened in 1946 and served clients throughout western Virginia. A Georgetown and University of Virginia graduate, he practiced law while building his photographic business. He married Kathryn Lineweaver in 1941 and instructed in the Naval Air Corps V-5 Program during World War II.
Eugene H. Holsinger founded the Holsinger Lumber Company in Staunton after purchasing the Montague Payne Lumber Company in 1926. The business expanded into building materials and cabinetmaking during World War II. A member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church and the Rotary Club, Holsinger died in 1947; his wife, Louise, continued leading the family company.
George Bowler Tullidge, born in 1901, moved to Staunton in 1925 after earning a pharmacy degree from Medical College of Virginia. He later led the Staunton Insurance Agency and became president of Farmers and Merchants Bank in 1949. The biography details his civic, fraternal, religious, and charitable service, marriage to Anne Archer Hogshead, and their four children.
H. McKelden Smith was a prominent Staunton businessman involved in fuel supply, ice distribution, and banking. A University of Virginia alumnus and Augusta National Bank director, he also served on the city council and remained active in the Episcopal Church. This biography traces his family’s Valley roots from Captain John Smith and recounts his marriage and son.
Richard P. Bell, M.D., a Staunton-born physician and surgeon, trained at the University of Virginia and specialized in surgery before returning to Staunton in 1910. During World War I, he served as a U.S. Army major and chief surgeon overseas, earning a French Order of Officier d’Academie with silver palms. He and Mary Campbell Gratsy raised six children.
Peter M. Dorsch rose from selling newspapers and learning the baker’s trade to become president of Staunton’s Spalding Baking Company. This biography traces his early life, family background, business expansion, Catholic and fraternal affiliations, and descendants.
Lawrence Washington Howe Peyton (1872–1949) was a prominent Staunton attorney, Spanish-American War lieutenant, and civic leader. A Virginia Military Institute graduate, he served as president of Staunton Military Academy and the VMI Board of Visitors, while leading local banking and Democratic organizations. He and Margaret Erskine Catlett raised four children.
James B. Pettis, M.D., superintendent of Western State Hospital in Staunton, served in the U.S. Navy during both World Wars and became a prominent Virginia psychiatrist. This biographical account traces his family roots, education, medical career, military service, professional affiliations, church involvement, and family life with his wife, Winifred W. Tinsley, and their two daughters.
Wayt B. Timberlake, Jr. (1908–?) was a Staunton attorney, WWII U.S. Naval Reserve lieutenant, and partner in the firm of Timberlake and Smith. A Virginia Military Institute and University of Virginia graduate, he served his community through legal, civic, church, and charitable organizations. He married Susan L. Marshall in 1934 and had three children.