Major Robert H. Glass (CSA)

When the American Civil War (1861–1865) broke out, Glass initially worked to try to help keep Virginia from seceding. However, after the state did so, Robert Henry Glass served, initially, in the Virginia forces in 1861, and then with the Confederate Army, where he was a major on the staff of Brigadier General John B. Floyd, a former Governor of Virginia. Glass survived the Civil War, although 18 of his wife's relatives did not.

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Major Robert Henry Glass, son of Thomas and Lavinia (Cauthorne) Glass, was born at Balcony Falls, Amherst County, Virginia, February 1822, died in Lynchburg, VA May 6, 1896. His business career was devoted to newspaper work, and at the time of his death was one of the leading newspaper men in Virginia, being known as the "veteran editor." He was for many years editor and proprietor of the "Daily Republican" of Lynchburg, and also edited and owned papers in Petersburg and Danville, and when his pen was laid aside for the last time it was the pen of one of the ablest and best known of Virginia editors. He was serving in that capacity when many of the well known editors of the state at the present time were boys, and at the time when the editorial department of a paper was the paper itself, and only a brave and true man could be respected in that position. While always a fearless writer, he was the last man in the world to do anyone an injustice and he was especially kind to the young men of the press and always ready to give them a word of encouragement and a helping hand.

He also served as Postmaster of Lynchburg for many years, both before the Civil War and during that struggle, and at the close of the war, so highly were his services valued, he was offered a reappointment by President Lincoln, but could not see his way clear to accept a favor from the North at a time when the hostile feeling between the states ran so high. During a portion of the war he served the Confederacy on General Floyd's staff with the rank of major. During the many years he so efficiently filled the office of postmaster he still found time to attend to newspaper work and continued his editorial labors on the "Daily Republican," of which he retained a part ownership. Major Glass was a man of indomitable will power and great energy, and even when in his latter years his health, greatly impaired during the war, began to fail he still kept at his editorial work in the office of the "Lynchburg News" until forced to retire by the seriousness of his illness.

With thorough training, true journalistic instinct, broad knowledge of affairs and intimate acquaintance with leaders in his chosen profession, Major Glass reflected honor upon his vocation, and in his conduct of the various newspapers with which he was connected made them the exponents of the highest interests of the community, the state and the nation. Though nearly two decades have gone by since his demise, his memory, both in the newspaper world and among the older citizens of Lynchburg has been kept green, and he is still spoken of with admiration and esteem. His work was widely extended, and will be felt and recognized for many years, and his example is well worthy of emulation by the rising generation.

Major Glass married (first) Elizabeth Christian, born in 1826, died January 15, 1860, daughter of Judge Samuel Christian, and granddaughter of Captain Henry Christian, an officer in the War of the Revolution.

Major Glass married (second) Meta Sandford, of North Carolina, daughter of John W and Margaret (Halladay) Sandford, of Philadelphia.

Children of first wife:

1) Robert Henry Jr., married Beatrice Daugherty; Daughter: Beatrice.

2) Edward Christian, married Susan Carter; Children: Edward Christian, Jr., May C., Robert C., Henry B., Nannie D., Elizabeth C., Susan, Virginia, Shirley, Irvine Clark--the three last named deceased.

3) Carter, married Aurelia Caldwell; Children: Paulus Howell, Carter Jr., Mary Archer, Augusta Christian, Claiborne, deceased.

4) Nannie Patterson.

Children of second wife:

5) Margaret Sandford, married G. Funston Lucado

6) Erskine Douglas, married Jennie Darby; Children: John Sandford, Jennie Darby.

7) John Sandford, dceased; married Elizabeth Pollard; Children: John S., Elizabeth.

8) Marian Langhorne, married Blair Bannister; daughter, Margaret.

9) Louis Augusta, married F. D. Johnston, Jr.; Children: Robert, Louise.

10) Cora Fontaine, died young.

11) Meta, unmarried.

First appointed Postmaster of Lynchburg Va in 1853 by General Pierce. Resigned 3/4/1861 as Postmaster of Lynchburg VA refusing to hold a post under a Black Republican Administration.

Editor of The Republican (newspaper) leaves to join General Floyd's Brigade. "The most interesting and authentic account of a recent engagement between General Floyd and the enemy at Carnifax Ferry appeared in The Lynchburg Republican, of yesterday, written by Col. R. H. Glass, who participated in the engagement." Written by Glass from the Headquarters near Dogwood Gap, 09/11/1861

Five children from first marriage. Seven children in second marriage to Meta Sandford Glass.