Kate Aubrey Wortham (1843–1875) Algernon Sidney Buford[4] (January 2, 1826 – May 6, 1911) was a Virginian businessman, politician, and lawyer best known for his 22-year presidency of the Richmond and Danville Railroad, during which he was responsible for growing the line from 140 miles in length to 3,000 miles in length.
[8] Adjusting for deflation in the late 19th century, Buford delivered a 1,050% growth in profit over 20 years.
[9] In the course of those years, however, the controlling interests in the company became contrary to Buford's established policies of management and he tendered his resignation in late 1886.
His choice was understandable, since several illustrious attorneys had established practices in the town, including Whitmell Pugh Tunstall, who had been the creator and first president of the Richmond and Danville Railroad.
[13] With the support of Virginia Governor Francis H. Pierpont, on September 13, 1865, Colonel Buford became president of the 140-mile (230 km) Richmond and Danville Railroad (R&D).
The Terminal Company quickly purchased over 700 miles (1,100 km) of existing railroads and acquired the franchises for a number of projected lines including the Georgia Pacific Railway and the Rabun Gap Short Line Railway.
In 1889, the 566-mile (911 km) Georgia Pacific Railway was completed and began operation from Atlanta to Greenville, Mississippi.
In 1890, the Terminal Company acquired a controlling interest in the Alabama Great Southern Railroad.
On the night of May 6, 1911, Colonel Buford died at his residence at 20 West Franklin Street in Richmond.
His first marriage was to Emily Whitmell Townes (1830–1859) of Pittsylvania in December 1854, with whom he had three daughters: Elizabeth T. "Lizzie" (1856–1859), Susan A.
Emily died in November 1859 and Buford remarried to Kate Aubrey Wortham (1843–1875) of Richmond in December 1869.
They had two daughters: Catherine "Kate" Thomas (1871–1963), married Walter T. L. Livingston (1871–1930); and Elizabeth "Lizzie" Gilmer (1873–1880).
Col. Buford personally (as well as through the Richmond and Danville Railroad) was much involved in the development of the community, originally known as Brown's Summit, later renamed Grand Summit,[disputed – discuss] and eventually renamed again Bon Air), derived from the French expression for good air.
Among Bon Air's residents of the period was druggist Polk Miller, who founded Sergeant's Pet Care Products and became a notable musician.
Buford, Georgia, a town (and later a city) on a portion for the Richmond and Danville Railroad system was named for him.