Stockton Heth Tyler

Stockton Heth Tyler was born on September 13, 1874, the son of Virginia Governor James Hoge Tyler and Sue Hammet Tyler. He graduated from the Washington and Lee University School of Law and served as an additional paymaster in the United States Army during the Spanish-American War, earning the title of major. On November 16, 1904, he married Nelle Louise Serpell of Norfolk. Their six children were Goldsborough Serpell, James Hoge III, Sue Hammet, Nell Serpell, Stockton Jr., and Gulielma Serpell Tyler.

Tyler became a prominent civic leader in Norfolk, serving as the city’s mayor from 1924 to 1932. During his administration, he helped persuade the Norfolk City Council to provide the former Larchmont School building to the College of William and Mary for an extension campus. This institution eventually developed into Old Dominion University.

Following the death of his father, Tyler inherited Belle Hampton in Pulaski County. Although the family lived primarily in Norfolk, he developed Belle Hampton as a summer residence and country retreat. He died on September 5, 1943, leaving his property to his wife, Nelle.