he professed a belief in Jesus, as the saviour of sinners. He died at his residence near Williamsboro, in August 13, 1833. A widow, nee Farrar, a niece of Judge Williams, and five children survived him.
I. Archibald Erskine, (since dead,) married Anne, daughter of Richard Bullock.
II. Dr. William Farrar Henderson, married Agnes Hare, of Williamsboro.
III. John Henderson, died unmarried.
IV. Fanny, married Dr. William V. Taylor, who lived in Memphis.
V. Lucy, married Dr. Richard Sneed.
John Lawson Henderson, son of Richard and Elizabeth, born 1778, died about 1844, was the youngest son, and if equally gifted as his distinguished brothers, acquired less fame as a lawyer and statesman, although more liberally educated. He graduated at the university in 1800, in the same class with William Cherry, senator from Bertie. He studied law, but from his retiring temper, modest demeanor and indolent disposition, he did not succeed in the practice. He was blessed with a clear, discriminating mind, high and generous impulses.
He represented Salisbury in the House of Commons, 1815,-'16,-'23, and '24.
In 1827, he was elected the comptroller of the state, and subsequently, the clerk of the supreme court, in which office he died, at Raleigh, 1844. He was never married.
Robert Ballard Gilliam, born 1805, died October 17, 1870, was born, lived and died in Granville County.
He was the son of Leslie Gilliam, who was a worthy and respectable citizen, and for a long time the sheriff of this county.
He was liberally educated, and graduated at the university in 1823, in the same class with Daniel W. Courts, George F. Davidson, Isaac Hall, Richmond M. Pearson, Alfred M. Scales, and others. He read law, and commenced the practice at a bar composed of gentlemen of great power and eloquence. Among these were the late Chief Justices Ruffin and Nash, Governor Iredell, George E. Badger, Willie P. Mangum, Samuel Hillman, William H. Haywood, Hugh Waddell, and others. In this galaxy of talent and learning, Mr. Gilliam shone conspicuous.
He was a member of the convention in 1835, the most distinguished body of statesmen ever assembled in the state.
He was a member of the commons in 1836,-'38 and '40, and again in 1846,-'48 and 1862, was elected speaker of the house. In 1863, he was elevated to the bench, where he remained till the close of the late war between the states. Upon the restoration of the Federal authority, he was again placed on the bench, where he remained until 1868.
A few months before his death, he was elected a member of congress, (October 17, 1870,) but before he took his seat he died. As a statesman, he was a pure and patriotic; as a lawyer, he was learned and able, and his ability was only equalled by the kindly qualities of his heart. Such were the conspicuous traits of his character, which endeared him to all who knew him. He was twice married, first to Miss Noble, of Virginia, and second to Miss Kittrell, but left no issue.
Abram Watkins Venable, born 1799, died 1876, was the son of Samuel Venable, and the nephew and name sake of Abram B. Venable, who was a member of congress from Virginia, 1791 to 1799, and United States senator 1803 and 1804; was detailed by the Jeffersonian party, on account of his financial abilities, to be the president of the Bank of Virginia. He perished in the burning of the Richmond Theatre, December 26th, 1811.
A. W. Venable was born in Prince Edward County, Virginia, October 17th, 1799. His mother was a daughter of Judge Carrington. Educated at Hampden Sydney College, where he graduated in 1816, he studied medicine
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