Alexander Apperson
ALEXANDER APPERSON. Among the younger business men who enjoy the
confidence and respect of their fellow citizens at Marion,
Virginia, none are more deserving than Alexander Apperson,
secretary, and treasurer and general manager of the Marion Foundry
and Machine Works. Naturally inclined toward mechanics and
thoroughly educated, his business ability, practical ideas and
sound judgment have much to do with the continued prosperity of one
of Marion's most important manufacturing enterprises, one that was
founded by his father. Mr. Apperson, like his two older brothers,
is a veteran of the World war. Alexander Apperson was born at
Marion, Virginia, February 22, 1895, a son of
Dr. John Samuel and Elizabeth (Black) Apperson.
For many years the late Dr. John Samuel Apperson was one of
Marion's most enterprising and useful citizens. He was born on his
father's estate near Orange Court House, Orange County, Virginia,
August 31, 1837, a son of William Apperson, a farmer and a
descendant of Scotch-Irish Appersons who came to Virginia in
Colonial days. Dr. Apperson was graduated from the University of
Virginia with the degree of M.D. in 1867, and began the practice of
medicine at the Old Town House, now known as Chilhowie, Smyth
County. In 1885 he came to Marion, where he was secretary of the
building committee of the Southwestern State Hospital, of which he
was assistant superintendent until 1889, when he resumed the
private practice of his profession, although subsequently
interested in many other lines of endeavor. He was one of the
founders and builders of the Marion Rye Valley Railroad, and in
1899 founded the Marion Foundry and Machine Works, which he
operated until his death on August 9, 1908. He was a director in
the Bank of Marion, and in numerous ways his capital and influence
contributed to the up building of this city. He was a democrat in
politics and was a Confederate veteran, having served f our years
in "Stonewall" Jackson's brigade. When the great World's Fair was
held at Chicago, Illinois, Dr. Apperson was sent as the
representative of the State of Virginia. Dr. Apperson was married
to Miss Elizibeth Black, always known to her friends as "Lizzie,"
who still resides at Marion. She was born at Blacksburg, Virginia,
a place founded by her ancestors. Her parents were Dr. Harvey and
Mary (Kent) Black, the former of whom was born at Blacksburg and
the latter at Rockford, Illinois. Dr. Black's name is prominent in
the medical history in Virginia. He served with officer's rank all
through the war between the states, as the surgeon in "Stonewall"
Jackson's brigade, closely associated with Dr. Hunter McGuire. He
served six years as superintendent of the Eastern State Hospital at
Williamsburg, Virginia, and was held eminent in medicine before he
came to Marion to become superintendent of the Southwestern State
Hospital. Four children were born to Dr. and Mrs. Apperson: Harvey
Black, who attended Washington and Lee University and is engaged in
the practice of law at Roanoke, is a veteran of the World war, a
second lieutenant in an infantry regiment that was stationed at
Camp Lee, Virginia. Kent, who resides at Blacksburg and fills the
office of assistant state horiculturist, is an overseas veteran of
the World war. After graduating from the Virginia Polytechnic
Institute at Blacksburg he entered military service, was trained at
Camp Lee, then -went to France as a member of the 317th Regiment,
80th Division, and during his twelve months there saw hard service,
taking part in the Meuse, Argonne and other major offnsives. Mary
Elizabeth resides with her mother in Marion.
Alexander Apperson attended the public schools of Marion and was
graduated from the high school in the class of l914. Shortly
afterward he became A student in the Polytechnic Institute of
Virginia at Blacksburg, from which he was graduated in the class of
1918 with the degree of Bachelor of Science. On July 15, 1918, he
enlisted for service in the World war, was sent to Camp Humphreys,
Virginia, and was made a sergeant in the Engineer Corps, where he
had training until the signing of the armistice, and he was
honorably discharged on December 27, 1918.
Upon his return to Marion Mr. Apperson became general manager of
the Marion Foundry and Machine Works. The business was incorporated
in 1907, and when Mr. Apperson reached his majority lie became
secretary and treasurer of the company and so continues, the board
of officers at present being: H. B. Apperson, president; J. A.
Groseclose, vice president; and Alexander Apperson, secretary,
treasurer and general manager. The foundry and offices are situ-
ated on Broadway, Marion. The company manufactures wagons and truck
bodies and conducts a general repair shop in wood and iron, its
products having a wide market, shipments being made to West
Virginia, Pennsylvania and all over Virginia. Mr. Apperson has some
additional business interests and is a stockholder in the Bank of
Marion. In politics he is a democrat, and has served on the Town
Council with extreme credit' but business largely engages his
attention at present. He is a member of Pulaski Lodge No. 1067,
Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and belongs also to the
Kiwanis Club, and is post commander of the American Legion. Mr.
Apperson was reared in the Methodist faith, and is a member of
Marion Methodist Episcopal Church, South. He is unmarried.
Source: Virginia and Virginians, Vol VI, pp. 282-283