Dr. Washington was a native of the Old Dominion, having been born in Franklin County, Va., in 1856, about five years before the war. Later the family moved to Montgomery County and he laid the foundation of his education at the Christiansburg Norman Institute. Dr. Washington was a devout man. His religious experience began with his conversion when he was about fifteen years of age, after which he joined the Baptist church. Feeling called to preach the Gospel, he set about preparing himself for that great work, going first to Wayland Seminary at Washington, D. C., and later to the theological department of Howard University.
He was licensed and ordained by his home church and became a recognized leader in the religious life of the people. He came to see the medical profession a great field for service and even after he was 40 years of age took the medical course at Howard, won his M.D. degree in 1900, and lived to practice for more than twenty years. Let no one imagine, however, that the way is easy or without difficulties. He made his own way in school and in the best sense of the word was a self-made man. On Nov. 20, 1901, he married Miss Hattie Alexander, an accomplished teacher, a story of whose work appears herewith. Of the six children born to them the following are living: Loris Alexander, who is studying Pharmacy, Elva D., who will make nurse training a profession, Murel A. and Herbert M. Washington.
In politics Dr. Washington was a Republican and among the secret orders was affiliated with the Masons, Odd Fellows, Red Men and Pythians, in all of which he held office. He was also identified with the State and National Medical Societies.
He passed to his reward on January 14, 1921, after a short illness. He left to his family the heritage of a good name and to the community and the race the example of a poor boy struggling up from poverty and obscurity to a place of large usefulness, unselfish service and well deserved success.