Buncombe-Nash County NcArchives Biographies.....Battle, Samuel Westray 1854 - 
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Joy Fisher http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00001.html#0000031 February 28, 2008, 4:04 pm

Author: Leonard Wilson  (1916)

SAMUEL WESTRAY BATTLE

THE Battle family possesses an individual and unique interest. A record of the
achievements of this splendid family would form a resume of the history of North
Carolina, for this family, distinguished always for public service and private
citizenship, has been in the State since as early as 1662. In that year we find
that John Battle, from Yorkshire, England, resided on the Pasquotank River,
North Carolina, owning lands there and in Nansemond County, Virginia.

    The North Carolina Battles are of English origin. The original spelling of
the name was Battaile, but by consulting the records we find in different
periods, that the spelling has been changed to Battel, Battell, and lastly.
Battle. The name originated as a place name. According to "Patronymica
Britannica," it had its beginning in a town in Essex, England, so named from the
Battle of Hastings, fought in 1066, and won by William the Conqueror. On this
spot later was erected Battle Abbey; thus the surname is literally De Bello. A
tradition in the family, however, carries the name back to Battle Flats, which
commemorates the great battle of Stamford Bridge, in the year 400.

    William Battle, son of John, of Pasquotank, the emigrant, was born in
Pasquotank County. It is not known whether he was the eldest, or the only son.
However, he sold his father's land and moved to Nansemond County, Virginia. His
son, Elisha Battle, the great-grandfather of Samuel Westray Battle, the subject
of this sketch, was born in Virginia, January 9, 1724. He left the State of
Virginia, moving to Cool Spring Plantation, Edgecombe County, North Carolina, in
the year 1748. He was an exceedingly prominent figure in Colonial affairs, a
member of the Provincial Congress and of the Constitutional Congress, at
Halifax, 1776. He was also a member of the Colonial Assembly and of the State
Congress, which adopted the Constitution of North Carolina, 1776; State Senator,
1777; a member of the State Convention, 1788, which postponed the adoption of
the Constitution of the United States, and Chairman of the Committee of the Whole.

    Elisha Battle married Elizabeth, daughter of John Sumner, first cousin to
General Jethro Sumner, of Washington's staff; and a granddaughter of William
Sumner, of Sumner Manor, Isle of Wight County, Virginia. Of this marriage there
were the following children: Sara, Jethro, Elizabeth, Elisha, John, William,
Dempsey, and Jacob.

    Jacob Battle, the youngest son of Elisha, was born April 22, 1754, and died
in 1814. He lived on the Cool Spring Plantation, in Edgecombe County, about
one-half mile from his father's residence, at a settlement called Old Town. He
afterwards owned his father's magnificent estate. He married Mrs. Edwards, whose
maiden name was Penelope Langley. She was a descendant of Captain James Smith,
who, with his brothers, came to North Carolina from Virginia and founded the
settlement called Scotland Neck. Of this marriage there were several children,
but all died leaving no issue, except James Smith Battle.

    James Smith Battle, the grandson of Elisha Battle, was a prominent planter.
It is difficult to relate the influence this unobtrusive character exerted upon
his times. He was not ambitious of political preferment, but his sagacity and
intrinsic worth made him a telling power for good in the affairs of his
neighborhood. He married, first, his cousin, Tempy Battle Fort, a widow with one
child, and the daughter of Jethro Battle. Of this marriage there was one son,
Marmaduke, a brilliant young man, who, when he had arrived at manhood, emigrated
to Mississippi, dying unmarried. James Smith Battle's second wife was Sallie
Harriett, daughter of Samuel Westray, Esq., an eminent and representative
citizen of Washington County. Of this marriage there were the following: First,
Cornelia Viola, wife of John S. Dancy; second, William Smith Battle, who married
Elizabeth Dancy; third, Turner Westray Battle, who married Lavinia B. Daniel;
fourth, Mary Elizabeth, who married, first, William F. Dancy, and second, N. J.
Pitman; fifth, Penelope Bradford, who married William R. Cox; sixth, Martha Ann,
wife of Dr. Kemp. P. Battle, another member of the Battle clan who has
contributed his quota of distinction to the name.

    William Smith Battle, the son of James Smith Battle, and the father of the
subject of this sketch, was born October 4, 1823. As a boy he attended Stony
Hill Academy, under Martin E. Garrett. Later he entered the Louisburg Academy
under John B. Bobbitt. William Smith Battle entered the University of North
Carolina, where he graduated with honor July 25, 1845. Shortly after his
graduation he married Elizabeth M. Dancy, daughter of Francis Little Dancy, a
prominent lawyer. He settled in Edgecomb County and became a prominent and
influential planter. His business interests were varied. He became manager and
owner of the Rocky Mount Flour and Grist Mill. He was also manager and owner of
the cotton factory built by Joel Battle in 1820, at the Falls of the Tar River.
This cotton factory, by the way, was the first in Eastern Carolina, and it is
now managed by one of Joel Battle's great-great-grandsons. William Smith Battle
had the misfortune to lose his flour and grist mills, as a Federal cavalry force
was sent to New Bern, July, 1863, with instructions to burn these plants.
However, William Smith Battle, at the close of the war between the States, had
no spirit of animosity, even though his losses had been great, but exhibited a
splendid spirit of charity to the victors. This spirit was characteristic of the
man, for he had the genius for submitting generously to the inevitable. In the
suffering that followed in the wake of the war he was a constant benefactor, and
there are numerous stories told of his benevolences.

    Dr. Samuel Westray Battle, the subject of this sketch, now on the retired
list of the Medical Corps of the Navy, was the fifth son of William Smith Battle
and Mary Elizabeth Dancy Battle. He was born in Nash County, North Carolina,
August 4, 1854. Samuel Westray Battle had the good fortune to spend his boyhood
days in the country. It was an ideal life, too, that of the Southern boy in a
home with cultivated parents and elegant surroundings. It gave him the
development needed, physically, mentally and morally, and it is small wonder
that the son of these gifted parents is a man four-square to all the world.

    When quite a lad he entered the Horner School at Oxford, North Carolina, one
of the finest preparatory schools in the State. From there he went to Bellevne
High School, in Bedford County, Virginia. Dr. Battle next entered the University
of Virginia. After devoting some time to the classics he matriculated in the
medical department. He left the University of Virginia in 1874. In 1875 he
graduated from the Bellevue Hospital Medical College, now a part of the
University of New York, with the degree of Doctor of Medicine. In October, 1S75,
he entered the United States Naval service as assistant surgeon, at the age of
twenty-one. The United States Naval service examination was rigid. There were
many failures, but this young man, going alone, without the encouragement of
friends, received his commission, which was a high tribute to his thorough
preparation. Dr. Battle served with distinction in the Navy for nearly ten years.

    In 1878 he was attached to the United States Ship "Marion," sailing in
company with the United States Ship "Vandalia," the two ships that were detailed
to take General Grant around the world. After war broke out between Russia and
Turkey, early in 1878, these ships were at Smyrna preparing to go down the coast
and through the Suez Canal to the East. They remained, however, on the coast of
Asia Minor as long as needed, then joined the Mediterranean squadron. His first
sea trip was in connection with the demonstration made by the United States
following the "Virginius" affair. Those familiar with this occurrence will
remember that the American Steamer "Virginius," cruising in Cuban waters, was
captured by the Spanish cruiser "Tornado," and afterwards taken into Santiago as
a pirate. The crew comprised Captain Joseph Fry and one hundred and twenty men,
half of whom, including Captain Fry, were executed, their bodies trampled on by
horses, and their heads placed on pikes. The British warship "Niboe," under Sir
Lampton Lorraine, hurried from Kingston, Jamaica, to Santiago, and threatened to
bombard the city unless the atrocious outrages were instantly stopped. The
"Virginius" was finally surrendered by Spain, but it was an affair of
long-drawn-out duration, and our ships were kept in Southern waters a number of
years. At this time Dr. Battle was serving on the United States Ship "New
Hampshire," under command of Commodore Clitz. Following this he served on the
"Monitor," "Ajax," "Lehigh," "Catskill," "Manhattan," "Mahopac" and "Saugus."
Owing to injuries received in this line of duty, while cruising at sea, Dr.
Battle was placed on the retired list of the Medical Corps of the United States
Navy, 1884.

    The city of Asheville, North Carolina, in the section familiarly known as
the "Land of the Sky," was fortunate, in 1885, to have Dr. Battle make it his
abiding place. And it was he who was among the first to recognize the advantages
of this belt known to us at the present as the Asheville plateau. As Dr. Battle
had made a study of the meteorological reports of the United States Government,
he recognized that the Asheville plateau was the dryest atmospheric territory
east of the Mississippi River. He saw, too, that the elevation of Asheville made
it peculiarly suitable for all throat and pulmonary troubles. He did not keep
this information to himself, but speedily conveyed to the medical profession at
large his belief concerning the climate of Asheville. Through his able
contributions to medical journals and periodicals, the city of Asheville was, in
a short time, well advertised.

    A pleasant associate who contributed his share towards the making of the
fame of this town in the "Land of the Sky" was Bill Nye. He was a close friend
of Dr. Battle, and his witty stories helped on the cause. Those who read the
accounts given of Asheville as a health resort came and tarried. The majority of
them became patients of Dr. Battle, so much so that lie had to secure the
services of two assistants. But not only as a physician was Dr. Battle a
blessing to the town. He was interested in every movement for the betterment of
civic conditions.

    When the Sprague system of street railways had been successfully installed
in Richmond, it was Dr. Battle who went to confer with Mr. E. D. Davidson, of
New York, concerning the possibility of a system of street cars for Asheville.
It was found practicable and a company was formed, which secured for the owners
a charter for a general system of street car service. He was elected
Vice-President of the company, subscribed largely to its stocks and bonds, and
with the assistance of others, secured for Asheville a splendid street car service.

    In various other undertakings along forward-looking lines Dr. Battle was an
active participant. He exhibited a spirit of service, and his example was an
encouragement to others—never counting the cost to himself, but always willing
to put his shoulder to the wheel of progress.

    In 1884 Dr. Battle was happily married to Alice Maud, daughter of Admiral
George E. Belknap, United States Navy, distinguished as an officer of the
service, a splendid sailor, and a man of literary and scientific achievements.
Of this marriage there were born the following children: Madelon, S. Westray,
Jr., Maud Dancy and Belknap. Of these children Madelon, the wife of Major
Mortimer Hancock, of the Royal Fusiliers, and Belknap are now living. Major
Mortimer Hancock is at present fighting in the trenches on the Gallipoli
Peninsula; he has received serious wounds, but is again on the firing line.

    Dr. Battle, having recently visited his son-in-law, Major Hancock, was able
to make an inspection of the trenches in Flanders. This recent visit to England
increases his usefulness and broadens his outlook concerning present conditions
in the European War. As Dr. Battle is a traveled man, of cultivated and
cosmopolitan tastes, he is peculiarly adapted for the work he undertook, that of
bringing people from the four quarters of the earth to the Highlands of
Carolina. Then, too, his choice in his helpmate caused him to be claimed by both
Northern and Southern friends. Added to Dr. Battle's habits of industry and
talent for organization were his social attributes. Everyone is familiar with
the success of the undertaking, even though they are not aware of Dr. Battle's
services in the making of Asheville.

    After a careful consideration of Dr. Battle's talents, a friend. who knows
him well, declares that it is as a physician that he ranks highest. His charming
personality, which has won for him so many friends, is a great asset, coupled
with the vast store of human sympathy which he possesses. For the sufferings of
his patients are, in truth, his own.

    Of some of the posts of honor held by Dr. Battle the following may be
mentioned: He is Medical Director of the Clarence Barker Memorial Hospital and
Dispensary at Biltmore, North Carolina; Colonel and Surgeon-General, North
Carolina State Guard; member American Medical Association, Mississippi Valley
Medical Society, Tri-State Medical (Virginia and the Carolinas), North Carolina
Medical Society, and Buncombe County Medical Society.

    He is a Fellow of the Rhinological, Otological and Laryngological Society,
member of the American Climatological Association, American Public Health
Association, Association of Military Surgeons, State Board of Health and Medical
Corps of the United States Navy, on the retired list.

    He is a member of the Society of the Cincinnati, Sons of the American
Revolution, Naval Order of the United States, and of the Army and Navy Clubs of
the cities of New York and Washington; Metropolitan Club, of Washington;
Swannanoa Country Club, at Asheville; Asheville Club; President of the Catawba
Game Association; Vice-President of the Asheville Gun Club, and member of the
Mottfield Club, Georgetown, South Carolina.

    Through his maternal line Dr. Battle is a descendant of the distinguished
Dancy family. The tradition of this family is as follows: The Dancys were French
Huguenots, who fled from France to avoid the persecution begun by Louis XIV,
after the revocation of the Edict of Nantes. There were three brothers, William,
Francis and David, who landed in Virginia. Their descendants settled in
Virginia, North Carolina and other parts of the South. Benjamin and Francis
Dancy were men of wealth and prominence. We find their names on the Committee of
Safety for Charles City County, Virginia, December 17, 1774.

    Of the Virginia descendants of these three brothers, William Dancy, in 1775,
married Agatha Little, of Charles City County. He with his brothers, Francis and
Archibald, settled in North Carolina. William and Archibald located in Edgecombe
County, and Captain Francis Dancy, in Northampton County. There were born to
William Dancy and Agatha Little the following children: John, Edwin, William,
two daughters, and Francis Little Dancy, the ancestor of Dr. Battle.

    The Coat of Arms of the Battle family is as follows:

    Purp, a griffin segreant within a bordure engrailed, or.

    Crest: Out of an antique crown, or, a dexter arm ppr. holding a cross,
crosslet, fitchie, in pale gules.


Additional Comments:

Extracted from:

MAKERS OF AMERICA
BIOGRAPHIES OF LEADING MEN OF THOUGHT AND ACTION

THE MEN WHO CONSTITUTE THE BONE AND SINEW OF AMERICAN PROSPERITY AND LIFE

VOLUME II

By
LEONARD WILSON,
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

ASSISTED BY PROMINENT HISTORICAL AND BIOGRAPHICAL WRITERS
Illustrated with many full page engravings
B. F. JOHNSON, INC.
CITY OF WASHINGTON, U. S. A.
1916

Copyright, 1916
by
B. F. Johnson, Inc.

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