About the Author
Madeline Hoge, a Family Business Consultant and Family Historiographer, resides on the picturesque Hoge family farm, Belle-Hampton, nestled in Southwest Virginia. Madeline is a captivating speaker, known for her engaging talks that span various topics. She shares her expertise in family business consulting, delves into the fascinating journey of her own family, and imparts insights from her published books. Additionally, she brings the rich history of the region's founding families to life through her engaging presentations.
Sleeping in the Valley
Prominent Virginia families sleep eternally in a cemetery overlooking Sunnyside, their ancestral home. A peaceful resting place, nestled among the familiar hills they loved so much. Their joys and tears during their time on earth, forgotten as the decades moved on. Their life stories are now uncovered to be remembered for future generations. We can learn from the pain and struggles beginning with the birth of our nation. They can teach us about the core values and their magnificent vision for a republic. These notable Scottish and English ancestors left their heraldry for America's wilderness to become some of the first pioneer families in Southwest Virginia.
The Diary
James Hoge Tyler kept a diary for most of his life on his farm in Dublin, Virginia, and later as the governor in Richmond. He started writing when he was 33 in 1879 and continued until 1924, just months before his death at the age of 78. These diaries are a valuable source of information about his family, friends, neighbors, employees, and daily life in Virginia around a century ago. They offer a glimpse into the past and provide a treasure trove of historical information.
The diary contains extra pictures and notes from Madeline Hoge, who edited the book. She is currently using the diary to conduct extensive research for her upcoming book, Pages for the Past. This book aims to bring to life the stories of individuals from previous centuries, which are vividly described in the diary.