This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1906 Excerpt: ...formed a co.partnership with Mr. C. R. Mason, Jr., and entered the business of railroad construction. Their first contract proved successful; and since that time railroad contracting has been the main work of Mr. Carpenter's life. He has built railroads in every Southern and Middle Atlantic state, and in 1906 has had under construction over one hundred miles of railroad work, involving a cost of more than three and a half millions of dollars. Mr. Carpenter is president of the First National bank of Clifton Forge, Virginia, and president of the Clifton Forge Light and Water company. He is a deacon in the Baptist church; and is a Democrat in his political creed and allegiance. He belongs to the Masonic order, and is a Knight Templar. On December 23, 1879, Mr. Carpenter married Sallie Lewis Herring, and of their marriage have been born ten children, of whom six survive (1906). Mr. Carpenter's address is Clifton Forge, Alleghany County, Virginia. ARRETT, WILIAM EDWIN, teacher, soldier, lawyer, was born near Philomont, Loudoun county, Virginia, November 30, 1838. His parents were Enoch and Hannah (Batson) Garrett. His father was a farmer who was noted for his industry, steadfast integrity, and a deep sense of personal responsibility. He was of a retiring disposition, and though several times tendered public office he invariably declined the honor. Captain William E. Garrett comes from an ancestry who have been honored in many lands for many centuries. The family is of Teuton origin and Ger is the root, meaning, " firm spear." A branch of them came over to Britain with William The Conqueror in the 1060's and there the root Ger was changed to be Gar. A number of them were ennobled by the English Kings and Queens from time to time and a coat of arms was g...