Ashton Dovell
Grover Ashton Dovell (June 8, 1885 – October 28, 1949) was an American politician and lawyer. A Democrat, he served in the Virginia House of Delegates 1924–42 and was its Speaker 1936–42.[1][2]
Ashton Dovell | |
|---|---|
| 46th Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates | |
| In office January 8, 1936 – January 14, 1942 | |
| Preceded by | J. Sinclair Brown |
| Succeeded by | Thomas B. Stanley |
| Member of the Virginia House of Delegates for New Kent, Charles City, James City, York, and Williamsburg | |
| In office January 9, 1924 – January 14, 1942 | |
| Preceded by | Norvell L. Henley |
| Succeeded by | Paul W. Crockett |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Grover Ashton Dovell June 8, 1885 Madison, Virginia, U.S. |
| Died | October 28, 1949 (aged 64) Richmond, Virginia, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Spouse(s) | Martha Lane |
| Alma mater | University of Virginia College of William & Mary |
| Profession | Lawyer |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | .svg.png.webp){kind=small} United States |
| Battles/wars | World War I |
Early life
Dovell was born in Madison County, Virginia to Early Beauregard and Lucy Bond Dovell. He received a B.A. degree from the University of Virginia and a LL.D from the Marshall-Wythe School of Law, after which he settled in Williamsburg, Virginia to practice law. He served for a time as city attorney of Williamsburg.[1][2]
On February 28, 1911, Dovell married Martha Lane at Bruton Parish Church in Williamsburg.[2]
Dovell served in World War I, and afterward was active in the American Legion.[1][2][3]
Dovell was the first president of the Rotary Club of Williamsburg, Virginia, chartered on 18 October 1924.
Political career
Dovell was elected in 1923 to a House of Delegates district that included Williamsburg and four neighboring counties on the Virginia Peninsula. He became Speaker in 1936. His House career ended in early 1942.[1]
He was named a trustee of Colonial Williamsburg, whose reconstruction began during his term.[2]
Dovell was a presidential elector in 1932, and a delegate to the 1940 Democratic National Convention.[4]
Later years
Dovell served as president of the Virginia State Bar 1945–46.[5]
He died in Richmond, Virginia October 28, 1949. He was interred at Cedar Grove Cemetery in Williamsburg.[2]
Notes
- "Virginia House of Delegates; Session 1940; Dovell, Ashton". Virginia House of Delegates. Retrieved 2009-01-29.
- Jamerson, p. 133
- "Peninsula Post No. 39; Williamsburg, Virginia; American Legion, 1924". Retrieved 2009-01-29.
- "Dovell, Ashton". The Political Graveyard. Archived from the original on 31 December 2008. Retrieved 2009-01-29.
- "Past Presidents of Virginia State Bar". Virginia State Bar. Archived from the original on 15 January 2009. Retrieved 2009-01-29.
References
- Jamerson, Bruce F., Clerk of the House of Delegates, supervising (2007). Speakers and Clerks of the Virginia House of Delegates, 1776-2007. Richmond, Virginia: Virginia House of Delegates.
