Martin Family of Callaway, Virginia – Photos Part 1

By Bob Heafner © 2014

Online: December, 2014

This collection of photographs was recently found in a file box containing miscellaneous items of The Mountain Laurel Archive. They were, without doubt, sent to us to publish but there is no record of where they came from and no story accompanied them. Neither Susan nor I remember anything about them. This is unique since Susan, who always processed such treasures, was meticulous in getting old photographs returned to their owners.

The descriptions of each photograph were typed on white strips of paper and glued onto the photographs. On the back of each photograph was additional information. In most cases the notes on the back and those on the front were the same but occasionally the back notes contained additional or clarifying information. In those cases we used a combination of the front and back notes for the captions. Throughout the collection Callaway is spelled Calloway.

Along with the photograph description there is a number which no doubt was part of a filing system developed by the owner. Evidently these photographs were part of a much larger collection as evidenced by the missing numbers and wide gaps in the numbering system. We have used those numbers to identify the photographs in each caption.

The family history captured in the seventy-two old photographs and one letter in the collection tells a story all by themselves. They portray a loving family around the turn of the century year of 1900. There is one especially touching photograph of a father holding his toddler that transmits precious love and tenderness across a century.

While scanning and working with these old photographs, it was as if I came to know the subjects personally. From their formal poses to their fun filled antics for the camera, they portray a prosperous family at ease with themselves and the world of their time.

As you look at these photographs don't just scan through them, but look closely at each of the subjects and you will see all the way back to another era; I did and I loved it.

The family names portrayed include: Martin, Barnhart, Payne, Carter, Thornton, Pedigo, Aughin, Grigg, Echols, Blankenship, Rowe, Grayson, Mayo, Wingfield, Woolridge, Robertson, McGuffin, Abernathy, Ratcliff, Marshall, Christy, Powers and Kempleton.

If you can add any information about these people or photographs please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or submit a Comment at the end of this page. Please refer to individual photographs by the numbers in brackets at the beginning of each caption.

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[4487-4] James A. Martin family at Callaway, Virginia - Front row: Rufus Barnhart, Loulie Thornton (child), Loulie Barnhart, Jim Thornton (child), James A. Martin, Sarah Electra Martin, “Miss Mary” Kempleton, Mary Thornton (child), “Mother” Ratcliff, Alice Thornton (child). - Back row: Ida Barnhart, Will Thornton, Clara Thornton, Mamie Thornton, Mattie (Ratcliff) Martin, Sam Martin, Winifred Thornton, Carrie Martin, Lelia Martin Carter, John Carter, Anne Martin, Alma Martin.

[0381-7] Unknown

[0381-11] ? Allen Powers

[0381-12] Paul D. Martin

[0384-16] James A. Martin (Photo by Landes, Roanoke, Virginia.)

[0384-20] The daughters of J. A. Martin. On the Blue Ridge Parkway the last time all six of us were together; all sisters. Left to Right: Alma (Martin) Michel, Lelia Carter, Anne Martin, Carry Pedigo, Mamie Thornton, Loulie Barnhart

[0384-22] Peter Lee Aughin

[0387-4] ? Kemper Payne (Norfolk Photo Studio, Norfolk, Virginia).

[0387-5] William H. Stone, Jr. (7 years old), twins Marguarite and Olin Drewry Stone (5 years old).

[0387-9] Lila Barnhart and Ida Barnhart

[0387-11] Blanche Martin (Photograph by Kidd’s, Roanoke, Virginia.)

[0387-12] ? Paynes (Photograph from J.H. Blakemore’s New Gallery, Bridge Street near Main, Liberty, Virginia.)

[0387-17] T. Knile Grigg (Photograph by J.H. Blakemore’s New Gallery, Bridge Street near Main, Liberty, Virginia.)

[0387-19] Grace Electra Martin and her mother, Mary E. Martin.

[0387-21] Grace Martin (daughter of R. A. Martin), Alma Martin (niece of R. A. Martin). (Photograph by Lander, Roanoke, Virginia.)

[0387-25] Lulu Payne (Photograph by W.V. McNamara, Norfolk, Virginia.)

[1384-17] Robert Andrew Martin

[3319-2] Callaway School circa 1903-1904.

[3319-3] Close-up of Callaway School circa 1903-1904 photo.

[3319-4] Close-up of Callaway School circa 1903-1904 photo.

[3319-5] Tom Payne’s mother, Mary J. Echols.

[3319-6] Olin F. Payne, Loulie M. Darnell Payne (Loutie), Lulu, Kemper, Jennie.

[3319-7] Unknown

[3319-8] Unknown

[3319-9] Unknown

[3319-10] Rev. Charles Blankenship (Photograph by New York Art Gallery, Richmond, Virginia.)

[3319-11] Nat. W. Rowe (Photograph by Lee Photographic Gallery, Richmond, Virginia)

[3319-12] Uncle Bob (Robert A. Martin).

[3319-13] Bland W. and Sarah A. Payne. 12/29/1908

[3319-14] James A. Martin's home in Callaway, Virginia.

[3319-16] Lulu Payne

[3319-17] Jennie Payne

[3319-18] May be Kemper Payne

[3319-19] Kemper Payne and Harry Grayson

[3319-20] Samuel and son Winford Payne, wife unnamed.

[3319-21] Kemper G. Payne

[3319-22] Quinn Payne (Photograph by H.L. Plecker, Lynchburg, Virginia)

Continue to Martin Family of Callaway, Virginia – Photos Part 2