History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900, Part 100

Author: Stewart, William H. (William Henry), 1838-1912
Publication date: 1902
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1054

USA > Virginia > City of Norfolk > City of Norfolk > History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900 > Part 100

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Samuel Redd. father of Samuel Redd. be- fore-mentioned. married Lucy Rogers. granddaughter of Col. William Byrd of West- over. Lucy Rogers' father. Col. John Rogers. was an officer in the Continental Army, and with his nephew. John Rogers Clarke, on the famous Lewis and Clarke expedition. This Col. John Rogers, when a youth, was captured by the Indians, who tortured him, partially scalp- ing him and tearing out his finger nails. He finally escaped, and after marvelous feats of bravery and endurance succeeded in making his way through the wilderness to the white settlements. Colonel Rogers' father was Giles

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Rogers, a grandson of the martyr, Rogers, who met death unflinchingly at the stake for his faith's sake, and his mother was Rachel Eastman.

Dr. Redd's mother was Sally A. Johnson, an only child of Achilles Douglas Johnson and Lucy Terrell, his wife. Achilles Douglas Johnson was a wealthy tobacconist of Lynch- burg, Virginia, and Cincinnati, Ohio. His parents were Newby Johnson and Sally Doug- las, a direct descendant of the Scottish "Black Douglas," Earl of Angus. Sally Douglas' fa- ther was William Douglas, and her mother was a Miss Lynch, of the celebrated Irish family.

Lucy Terrell was the daughter of Joseph Terrell, born in 1777: son of Thomas Terrell, born in 1727; son of Henry, born in 1700; son of David, born in 1670; son of William, born in England, in 1635. David Terrell received immense grants of land in Caroline County, Virginia, from King George I. It is worthy of note that these lands, as also the old parchi- ment charter for them, signed with the royal seal and the King's signature, remain in the possession of the descendants of David Terrell to this day.

Dr. James Terrell Redd has five brothers, viz. : Edmund Douglas, a civil engineer, of Richmond, Virginia; Thomas Crawford, also a civil engineer, of Richmond, Virginia : Will- iam Pleasants, a real estate dealer, of Rich- mond, Virginia ; Paul Eustace, who is associ- ated with the subject hereof in the practice of medicine at Churchland. Norfolk County; and Junius Adolph, draughtsman in the construc- tion department of the Newport News ship- yard. Dr. Redd has also one sister, Lucy. who married William L. Wise, son of Will- iam F. Wise, residing at Poplar Hill, Church- land, Norfolk County.

The ancient heraldic coat of arms of the Redd, or de Reddes, is a shield. argent, within a bordure engrailed, gules; two chevrons, azure; supported by two leopards, regardant. The crest is a wild boar's head, couped, erect ;

and the motto, "Sans Peur" (without fear). The subject of this sketch is a member of the Masonic and Knights of Pythias fraternities.

APT. WILLIAM S. FITCHETT, who has commanded various tugs of the Chesapeake & Ohio line, at the present time on the "Helen," plying in and around Newport News, Norfolk and Cape Henry, has followed the life of a sailor for a period of 20 years, and is an able seaman. Like his parents, he is a native of Mathews County, Virginia, where his birth occurred November 15, 1864. He is a son of Herod and Nancy (Callis) Fitchett. His father was a carpenter by trade, and died in June, 1891, being 68 years old at the time of his demise. He was an ardent Democrat. His wife died in November, 1864, when Will- iam S. was but three days old, he being the youngest of 10 children, namely : Mary; Kit- tie: Susan; Lizzie; Chastina; John; George; Thomas: Eliza; and William S. Kittie and Susan are still residents of Mathews County. the former being Mrs. Andrew Armistead and the latter Mrs. George Hudgins. Chastina and Eliza are residents of Baltimore, Mary- land .- the former being Mrs. John Adams,- and John is a tinner of the same city. George and Thomas are prosperous farmers of Mathews County, Virginia.

On May 20, 1891, Captain Fitchett was joined in matrimony with Maggie Hundley, a daughter of William J. and Ann Hundley, and a native of Norfolk, Virginia, where her birth took place in May, 1870. The Captain and his estimable wife have a family of five children, viz .: William H., born December 21, 1892; Irene, born June 29, 1894; Mar- garet, born September 29, 1896; Annie, born April II, 1898; and Sadie, born August 10, 1900. The family attend the Memorial Meth- odist Episcopal Church, South, of Atlantic City Ward, Norfolk.

FRANCIS M. MORGAN, M. D.

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Captain Fitchett had the advantages of a public school training, and immediately after leaving school became a sailor, making all ports from Norfolk to Baltimore. He was subsequently employed on fishing steamers for the following five years, and touched all points from Baltimore to Cape Lookout and along the coast of North Carolina. He next worked in the capacity of deck-hand. between Norfolk and Cape Charles, on the New York. Philadelphia & Norfolk line, for two years, and afterward served as mate on the same line. In 1893 he was promoted to be captain on the tug "Philadelphia." and served thus for two years. He was captain of the "Norfolk" for three years. and of the "Portsmouth" for two and a half years. He then severed his con- nectie : with that line and entered the employ of the Chesapeake & Ohio line, on which he has served three years, as captain of various tug- boats. Captain Fitchett is a faithful officer.

In politics he is a Democrat, and socially he is a member of Brambleton Lodge, No. 56. K. of P .; and Norfolk Lodge. No. 1, A. F. & A. M.

OHN T. STEELE. the efficient gen- eral manager of, and correspondent for, the l'irginian-Pilot .-- Berkley Bu- reau .- is a popular young man of Berkley, Virginia, and works with un- tiring energy and zeal in furthering the inter- ests of the bright, newsy paper, whose interests are so closely identified with his own. Mr Steele was born in Gatesville, North Carolina. in August. 1873, and is a son of Edward and Elizabeth Steele, both natives of North Caro- lina, and still living in Berkley, Virginia. They had 10 children, as follows: John T .. the sub- ject of this biography; James; Martha : Will- iam: Charles: Milton, who is deceased: Lu- ther : Henry: Eugene; and Harry.

John T. Steele attended the public schools of his native place and acquired what educa- tion was there possible. He subsequently en-

tered the Suffolk Collegiate Military Institute, and afterward attended Berkley Military In- stitute. He then commenced life's struggle by beginning newspaper work. His talent in that direction was soon recognized, and he was given the position of general manager of. and correspondent for. the Virginian-Pilot of Nor- folk at Berkley, which place he still retains.

In fraternal circles Mr. Steele is a member of the Knights of the Maccabees, Chesapeake Tent. No. II. and of Berkley Lodge No. 48, K. of P. His political opinions are in favor of the Democratic party. He belongs to the Main Street Christian Church. He is a' mem- ber of the Board of Trade and Business Men's Association of Norfolk.

Mr. Steele is looked upon as a rising young man, being ever ready to support all measures that tend toward the advancement and pros- perity of Berkley.

RANCIS M. MORGAN, M. D., a well- known physician of Berkley, who com- mands a large practice in the city and the immediate vicinity, was born in Currituck County, North Carolina, in 1846.

Dr. Morgan received his preliminary edu- cation in some of the best schools of the State of North Carolina. after which he took a course of study in the medical department of the Uni- versity of Virginia, from which he was grad- uated in 1869 with the degree of M. D. He returned to his native county and began the active practice of medicine. From the first he achieved success as a physician, and his reputa- tion spread beyond the limits of Currituck County. In 1888 he removed to Berkley and in a short time established a large practice, which he has continued to enjoy. During his residence in Virginia, he has been coroner and county and city health officer. During the epidemic of smallpox in Berkley. in 1899. he labored incessantly for the suppression of this terrible

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disease, and much is due him for his suc- cess along this line. Dr. Morgan is a member of the Seaboard Medical Association of North Carolina and Virginia. He is medical exam- iner for the Hartford Life Insurance Company. Fraternally he takes great interest in the Benev- olent and Protective Order of Elks, of which he is a prominent member. He is also a mem- ber of the Knights of Pythias. Dr. Morgan is a Democrat of the old school, and takes great interest in the affairs of State and county. He stands well in the medical profession of Nor- folk County, and is one of the most progres- sive citizens of Berkley. Dr. Morgan's por- trait accompanies this sketch.

OSIAH McCOY WILLIAMSON, an influential farmer living one and a half miles north of Great Bridge, Norfolk County. Virginia. was born in Portsmouth, December 20, 1836. He is a son of Caleb Williamson, and grand- son of Henry Williamson. The Williamson family is of Scotch and English descent. Hen- ry Williamson was born in Norfolk County, and his son, Caleb, was also a native of that county. Caleb Williamson married Martha McCoy, who was born in Norfolk County, and to them were born Io sons and two daughters. namely: Elton, who served in the war be- tween the States; Henry, who also served in that war: Josiah McC. : William and Thomas. twins, of whom the former was in the signal service, and the latter in Company E, 6Ist Regiment, Virginia Infantry : Rufus; Isaac : Austin ; and two sons who died in infancy, as did the two daughters.

Josiah McCoy Williamson, while the war was in progress, was at sea on a merchant ves- sel trading between Europe and the West In- dies. He followed the sea for 12 years. Since then he has followed the occupation of a farmer, and his knowledge of agricultural mat- ters is very thorough. He is considered one

of the best farmers in the vicinity of Great Bridge. He now owns 160 acres of finely im- proved land near Great Bridge, in which town he is very well known.

Mr. Williamson married Della Williamson, who was born in Norfolk County. They have one son, Carroll, who married Ludie Ether- idge, and conducts a general merchandise store at Great Bridge. Our subject is a Democrat in politics. He is a member of the Oak Grove Methodist Episcopal Church, South, in which he is an active worker.

W. GARY, who has served as super- intendent and collector of the Dismal Swamp Canal for the past 35 years. is a prominent resident of Deep Creek. Norfolk County, Virginia, where he was born December 24. 1839.

Benjamin A. Gary, his father, was born in Prince George County, Virginia, in 1805, and removed to Norfolk County in 1837. locating at Deep Creek, where he was engaged as teacher and followed a mechanical trade. He married Rebecca L. Weston, who was born in Deep Creek, in 1809. and they reared two chil- dren, namely: Sterling W. and S. W.

S. W. Gary enlisted in the Confederate Army. on April 20, 1861, as a member of the 3rd Regiment, Virginia Infantry. Pickett's Division. He participated in the battles of Yorktown, Williamsburg. Seven Pines, Mal- vern Hill and Harper's Ferry. He was in the Maryland campaign, and Gettysburg, and was then taken prisoner, and incarcerated from July 3. 1863. to July, 1865. During this time he suffered much from deprivation, subsisting for 84 days on cornmeal and pickles. He was released in 1865, and in 1866 returned to Deep Creek, where he has since resided. He was made superintendent and collector of the Dis- mal Swamp Canal, and has since served in that capacity.

Mr. Gary was united in marriage with

JOHN W. RUTTER.

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Mary R. Weston, in 1867. She died in 1880, leaving one son, H. Wentworth. Fraternally. he belongs to the Masons, Elks, Knights of Pythias, Odd Fellows and other orders. He is a Democrat in politics. Religiously, he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.

OHN W. RUTTER, whose portrait appears on the opposite page, has been prominent in the affairs of Portsmouth and of Norfolk County, Virginia, since the Confederate War, and has served in various capacities of official trust. He was born in Currituck County. North Carolina, and is a son of Alfred Rutter, whose land was in North Carolina, but adjoined Virginia.

John W. Rutter's grandfather. Rev. Jere- miah Rutter, a Baptist minister, was born at Deep Creek and was of Scotch descent. Rev. Jeremiah Rutter was one of the founders of the Court Street Baptist Church, and also preached at Churchland.

Alfred Rutter, our subject's father, was born at Deep Creek in 1794 and was reared there. In early life he was overseer for Wes- ton, and was a farmer and magistrate until his death in 1857. By his first marriage Al- fred Rutter had three children, as follows : Lydia, deceased: James Alfred, who was a member of Major Etheredge's company. 4Ist Regiment. Virginia Infantry, was wounded at the Crater, near Petersburg, returned home after Lee surrendered, and died in 1884: and Barney, who was born about 1833, and is a ship-carpenter by trade. Mr. Rutter formed a second matrimonial alliance, wedding Chloe Drake, who was reared in Virginia, and died , in 1884, having given birth to the following children : Martha. deceased; Chloe, who re- sides in North Carolina: John W., the subject of this sketch : Cornelius, deceased : Benjamin and Joseph. twins, both deceased ; and Melissa, deceased.

John W. Rutter was reared in North Caro-

lina until 1861, living with his widowed mother. Being a union man in his views, he left home for Washington in 1861, and joined Company 11. 16th Regiment, West Virginia Vol- unteer Infantry, as a private. In the sum- mer of 1863 he was transferred to the quartermaster's department and served un- til the spring of 1864, when he was honora- bly discharged. He then worked in the Nor- folk Navy Yard as assistant weigher and wood inspector. He held various positions in the Navy Yard, and there learned the block- maker's trade. He continued at this until 1870 when he was appointed Deputy United States Marshal. He afterward returned to the Navy Yard as a special laborer in the block-maker's department, and remained there until appointed quarterman of laborers in the Bureau of Yards and Docks. In November, 1873, he left and engaged in mercantile pursuits, which he has since followed, his establishment being located at Nos. 1010-1012 South street. He took the United States Census in his district in 1870. 1885 and 1890, and discharged the duties of that position in a most satisfactory manner. He was appointed on the School Board of Norfolk County, Western Branch, and served about 10 years. In addition to his mercantile business he has served as clerk of the district and county school boards. He was appointed at notary public and has served as such under four governors. He served as magistrate at Portsmouth from 1885 to 1899. He has also been land assessor of the district and commis- sioner of revenue for the First District of Nor- folk County, embracing three townships. For four years he was deputy treasurer of Norfolk County. He has a complete record of all his acts as a notary and magistrate.

Mr. Rutter was united in marriage with Esther Elizabeth Parker, who was born in Per- quimans County, North Carolina, in 1842, and was a child when her parents moved to Ports- mouth. They have had the following children : Nealie, deceased, who was the wife of a Mr. Cutler : Norman Whitfield, who is a ship-joiner

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in the Norfolk Navy Yard; Arthur John, who attended William and Mary College, taught school for a period of six years, and is now with the Old Dominion Steamship Company ; Willie H., who is a clerk : Lena May ( Casteen). of Portsmouth; and Cyrus Clifton, deceased. Religiously Mr. Rutter is a member of the South Street Baptist Church. He has been a Mason since 1866, is a member of the Knights Templar. Scottish Rite, Mystic Shrine; is past master, past high priest, and at the present time, secretary, of Portsmouth Naval Lodge, No. 100. A. F. & A. M. ; and recorder of Ports- mouth Commandery, No. 5, K. T. He is an A. P. A., and an honorary member of Junior Or- der of United American Mechanics. He was formerly a member of the I. O. O. F. He has been a member of the Grand Army of the Re- public since its inception in 1866, and has served therein in nearly all capacities. He is past department commander, and has many badges in token of services rendered. He has a badge of solid gold presented to him by the Department of North Carolina, G. A. R. He also served on the staff of Colonel Albert D. Shaw, commander-in-chief of the G. A. R.

HOMAS MORRISON, a prominent farmer residing near Berkley, in Nor- folk County, Virginia, was born in New Jersey, in December, 1834. He is a son of Andrew Morrison, who was born in New Jersey, and was a farmer by occupation. Andrew Morrison married Mary Martin of Pennsylvania, and they reared the following children: Thomas, the subject of this sketch; Andrew; Robert; Anna; and Harriet.

Thomas Morrison located in Norfolk when he was 18 years old, and has lived in Nor- folk County since that time. He worked for Richard Cox, the "King of Truckers," for nine years, at the end of which time he located on a farm near his present place, in Wash-

ington district. In 1892, he purchased the land on which he now lives, and which con- sists of 26 acres. This land he keeps in a splendid state of cultivation, giving his con- stant attention to the work. He is thoroughly conversant with agricultural matters, and is one of the best farmers of Norfolk County.

Mr. Morrison married Fanny Cotton, who was born in Virginia. They have one child, John R., who is also a farmer and lives near his parents. Mr. Morrison enlisted in 1861, in the 4Ist Regiment, Virginia Infantry, and served in the army two years. He is a Demo- crat in politics. Religiously, he belongs to the Christian Church.

HOMAS A. SMOTHERS, who is postmaster at Lambert's Point. Nor- folk County, Virginia, and is also en- gaged in the drug business in that vil- lage, was born in Chesapeake County, Virginia, near Petersburg, August 21, 1871. He is a son of George W. and Mary E. (Wat- son ) Smothers.

George W. Smothers was a native of North Carolina, and was born in 1841. He died August 31, 1891. He was a railroad man and came to Norfolk in 1886. He married Mary E. Watson, who was born in Petersburg, Vir- ginia, in 1861, and died January 14, 1892. They reared two children, namely: Mary E .. who married a MIr. Moore, and Thomas A., the subject of this sketch.

Thomas A. Smothers received his mental training in his native county, and later entered the drug business in Chesapeake County, where he remained two years. He settled in Norfolk County in 1887, and established a drug busi- ness at Lambert's Point, where he has since continued. He carries a full line of drugs, cigars and tobacco, and has a large patronage. He was appointed postmaster January 6, 1895. which position he still retains to the entire satisfaction of all. Mr. Smothers is a con-

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scientious business man, is possessed of thrift and integrity, and is highly esteemed in the community. He has a thorough understand- ing of drugs, and much confidence is placed in his ability as a chemist.

Mr. Smothers married, in September, 1894, Minnie A. Friary, who was born Novem- ber 15, 1870. They have two children,- Thomas .A. ; and Mary E. The family attends the Catholic Church. Politically Mr. Smoth- ers is a Republican.

ENRY B. ETHEREDGE, a well- known resident of Great Bridge, Nor- folk County. Virginia, was born in this county August 18, 1867, and is a son of William H. Etheredge, grandson of Henry Etheredge, and great- grandson of Henry Etheridge, the elder.

Henry Etheredge, the great-grandfather. was born in Scotland and came to this country at an early day. He fought in the Revolution- ary War and the War of 1812. He located in Norfolk County and lived here until his death. His son, Henry, was born in Norfolk County in 1790. He married Martha Butt, and they reared three children,-Rebecca, Carson and William H.

William H. Etheredge was born in Nor- folk County, Virginia, July 27, 1820, and in 1829 located in the city of Norfolk. He learned the trade of a blacksmith, which he followed many years. At the age of 21 years, he built a shop within two miles of Great Bridge, which he operated until 1841. He then built a shop on his present farm near Great Bridge, and there carried on his business until 1861. H then enlisted in the 41st Regiment. Virginia Infantry, as captain of Company F. a volun- teer company of 60 men, of which he was com- missioned captain by Governor Letcher of Vir- ginia. They first went into camp at the old Marine Hospital in Berkley, and in May. moved to the Navy Yard, under command of

Commodore Forrest. Here he had 100 men in his company, and took charge of the Navy Yard, helping during that time, to put the "Merrimac" in dry dock. He remained there nine months, in that time guarding the "Mer- rimac," and then took his company to Sewell's Point, to rejom his regiment. He saw service in the battles of Seven Pines, Fredericksburg, Salem Church, Gettysburg and Cherryvale. He was promoted to the rank of major, after the battle of Malvern Hill, August 18, 1862, and was in command of the regiment during the battle of Williamsburg. At the close of the war, in 1865, he returned home and located on his present farm. In 1843, he married Sarah .1. Carson, who was born in Norfolk County in 1828, and they became parents of the fol- lowing children: Lillian, deceased ; Ella; Luther; Linnæus; Lelia: Mellis; William T .; Henry B .; and Martha R.

Henry B. Etheredge was reared in Norfolk County, and then, for four years, resided in Norfolk, where he was engaged as a clerk. Then, in 1891, after farming for two years, he entered the employ of the Albermarle & Chesa- peake Canal Company, and for three years served as keeper and timber inspector. Since January, 1901, he has been collector, and has ably discharged the duties of that position.

Mr. Etheredge was united in marriage with Leila V. Stout, who was born near Great Bridge, Norfolk County, and they have two sons,-Carson S. and Forrest. Politically, Mr. Etheredge is a Democrat. In religious attachment he is a member of the Oak Grove Methodist Episcopal Church, South.

J AMES T. MILLER, a successful farmer living at Lambert's Point. Norfolk County, Virginia, was born in' Norfolk County, February 10, 1859. He is a son of Cato Miller. Cato Miller was born in Norfolk County, and was reared on a farm. He has followed

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the occupation of a farmer all his life, and is still living at the age of 69 years. He married Sarah Vanderberry, who is also a native of Norfolk County. They have reared five chil- dren, namely : Emma, who married Henry Cooper; Isaac W .; James T., the subject of this sketch ; C. F. ; and Addie L., who married Henry Robertson. All of the children reside at Lambert's Point.

James T. Miller has farmed all his life, with the exception of one year spent in the commission business in New York. His farm contains 30 acres of finely improved land, and is the old H. J. Lambert homestead. Mr. Miller has had much experience in farming and is a thoroughly competent manager.

He married Ora Smith, who is also a native of Lambert's Point. It is a singular fact that both Mr. and Mrs. Miller were born in the same house. Mrs. Miller is a daughter of John W. Smith. The subject of this sketch and his wife have two children,-James T., Jr., and Goldie. The family are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Po- litically, Mr. Miller is a Republican.

ILLIS HUTCHINGS is the efficient principal of the public schools at Lambert's Point, Norfolk County, Virginia. He was born in Norfolk County, March 18, 1860, and is a son of Joseph and Caroline (Sawyer) Hutch- ings.

Joseph Hutchings was born in North Caro- lina, June 28, 1821, and died December 5. 1899. He was a farmer by occupation, and settled in Norfolk County in 1849, where he remained until his death. He married Caro- line Sawyer, who was born in North Carolina, September 3, 1827, and died August 31, 1894. They reared the following children: Adelia H., who married Felix Jennings, and after- ward Mr. Hodges: Joseph, Jr .; Willis, the subject of this sketch; and Luther.

After attending the public schools in his na- tive county, Willis Hutchings took a course in North Carolina College, and later went to Richmond, Virginia, and there attended Rich- inond College. He then spent two years at a Baptist theological seminary at Louisville, Kentucky, which he left in 1885. He then be- gan to teach school in Norfolk County, and also spent some time in the county clerk's of- fice in Portsmouth. For eight years, he served as deputy treasurer of Norfolk County. In 1899, Mr. Hutchings took charge of the schools at Lambert's Point. There were then but two teachers there, and there are now five. Two hundred and fifty pupils are enrolled. Mr. Hutchings has served as principal of these schools with much ability, and to the entire satisfaction of all, and he is looked upon as a man of high capacity and scholarly attain- ments.

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History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900, Part 100

Author: Stewart, William H. (William Henry), 1838-1912 Publication date: 1902 Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Publishing Co. Number of Pages: 1054

Author: Stewart, William H. (William Henry), 1838-1912
Publication date: 1902
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1054