James Barron Hope

James Barron Hope was born 23 March 1829 in Norfolk, Virginia. He was the grandson of Commodore James Barron (1769-1851) and son of Wilton Hope and Jane Armistead (Barron) Hope (1791-1862). James Barron Hope graduated from the College of William and Mary. He practiced law and was the commonwealth's attorney for Norfolk. He married Annie Beverley Whiting (1825-1920) in 1857. The couple had two daughters, Jane ("Janey" or "Jennie") Barron Hope (b. 1859?) and Ann ("Nanny") Hope. James Barron Hope is known primarily for his poetry, serving as the official poet of the 250th anniversary of the Jamestown settlement. He published several volumes of writings and also edited newspapers. Hope died in 1887.

From the guide to the James Barron Hope Papers (II), 1820-1923., (Special Collections, Earl Gregg Swem Library, College of William and Mary)