Portraits from our Past:
ELECTED LEADERS
Benjamin Estille
1780 - 1853
Benjamin Estill was born on March 13, 1780 at
Hansonville (now Russell County). He received an academic education
and attended Washington Academy (now Washington and Lee University).
He studied law and was admitted to the bar, settling in Abington
to practice. He became Washington County's Commonwealth Attorney
and a Delegate from 1814-1817.
Estill was a great advocate
for the formation of Scott County. He was a great admirer of
Winfield Scott, with whom he agreed in politics, and thus sought
to honor him. The county seat of Scott was given the name Estillville
(now Gate City). From 1825-1827, he was elected to the 19th Congress.
Estill received almost every vote cast in the election. Beginning
in 1831, he served as 15th Judicial Circuit Judge for the counties
of Lee, Scott, Russell, Washington, and Tazewell. Judge Estill
served until his retirement in 1852.
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The Southwest Virginia Museum is a
member of the American
Association of Museums, the American Association of State and
Local History, and the Virginia Association of Museums.
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PORTRAITS FROM OUR
PAST:
ELECTED LEADERS
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