Littleton Waller Tazewell

Littleton Waller Tazewell, a cousin of Founder Frederick Southgate Taylor, was born in Norfolk, Virignia on July 16, 1848, the son of Edmund and Anne Elizabeth (Tazewell) Bradford. Founder Tazewell's name was changed from Bradford to Tazewell when the Virginia legislature gave him permission to adopt the name of his distinguished grandfather, Littleton Wallter Tazewell, who was a governor of Virignia and one of the state's most revered leaders in 19th century politics, but who had no male heir. Tazewell was educated first at Norfolk Academy; then he was sent to be a cadet at V.M.I. on February 6, 1865. At the time, V.M.I. had been moved from Lexington to Richmond. His cadetship lasted only two months, until April 1865, when the crops were disbanded as the capture of the Confederate capital was imminent. Tazewell escaped Richmond in a canal boat and took refuge with relatives further up the James River. At the University of Virginia, Tazewell shared room 47 West Range with his counsin, Taylor. He studied medicine at the University, but gave up his studies for an unknown reason and entered business in Norfolk. He then married Mary Louisa Walker and they had three sons. For almost half a century, Tazewell was active in business and civic life in Norfolk. He served as a prominent figure on the Norfolk City Council for 20 years. Littleton Waller Tazewell lived longer than any of the other Founders, save William Alexander, passing away on July 15, 1918 just a day before his 70th birthday. He is buried in the family square in Elmwood Cemetery, near the grave of his cousin Frederick Southgate Taylor.