1880
Born June 2 in Augusta County, Virginia.
Life at a Glance
William Stuart Moffett (1880–1955) was a certified mechanical engineer who contracted and consulted while maintaining a working farm. He served in the Virginia House of Delegates for fourteen years and was later elected to the State Senate, where he served until 1948.
He was born to Robert Wilson Moffett and Elizabeth "Nannie" Harris Moffett, and he married Frances Augusta "Fannie" Bailie Moffett in 1905. The couple raised two children, including Judge William Stuart Moffett Jr.
Images
Timeline
1900–1901
At Virginia Tech, served as Second Lieutenant (Battery E) and held leadership roles in the Maury Literary Society; played on the 1900 football team.
1905
Married Frances Augusta "Fannie" Bailie in Charlottesville, Virginia.
1918
Registered for the World War I draft while farming in Staunton, Virginia.
1920
Entered the Virginia General Assembly as a member of the House of Delegates.
1935–1948
Elected to the Virginia State Senate and served until 1948.
1955
Died December 6 in Staunton, Virginia, following a long illness.
Virginia Tech and Cornell
The memorial record notes that William Stuart Moffett was educated at Virginia Tech and Cornell. At Virginia Tech, he was active in campus leadership and athletics, earning recognition in the 1901 yearbook.
- Second Lieutenant, Battery E.
- Sergeant-at-Arms, Maury Literary Society.
- President and Critic, Maury Literary Society.
- Football Team, 1900 season.
Public Service
Virginia House of Delegates
Served for fourteen years after entering the General Assembly in 1920.
Virginia State Senate
Elected to the State Senate in the mid-1930s and served until 1948, completing a 28-year tenure in the legislature.
Family Legacy
Father of Judge William S. Moffett Jr., who served the 18th Judicial Circuit, including Rockbridge County.
Family
Parents
Robert Wilson Moffett (1841–1924)
Elizabeth "Nannie" Harris Moffett (1857–1898)
Spouse
Frances Augusta "Fannie" Bailie Moffett (1883–1970)
Children
Nancy Ophelia Moffett (1906–1945)
Judge William Stuart "Bill" Moffett Jr. (1910–2002)
Siblings listed in the memorial record include Lyle Moore, Robert Strickler, Elsie W., Nancy Louise, Henry Harris, and John Guthrie Moffett. A half-sibling, Maggie Bell Moffett, is also recorded.
Resting Place
William Stuart Moffett is buried at Thornrose Cemetery in Staunton, Virginia. The memorial lists his plot as Section 13 or 16. His headstone inscription honors both William Stuart and his wife, Fannie Bailie Moffett.
Headstone Inscription
WILLIAM STUART MOFFETT
JUNE 2, 1880 — DEC. 6, 1955
HIS WIFE FANNIE BAILIE MOFFETT
JAN. 4, 1883 — MAY 22, 1970
Sources and Record
Find a Grave Memorial ID 38998026, maintained by LSP and originally created by JMB. Memorial first added July 2, 2009 and accessed February 10, 2026.