History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900, Part 101

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 101

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He was married January 21, 1885, to Fan- nie Creekmur, who was born in Norfolk Coun- tỷ. They reared the following children : Roberta; Pauline; and Raymond. Mrs. Hutchings died in 1892. On January 20, 1900, Mr. Hutchings married Leona Ricketts. who was born in Kentucky. In politics, Mr. Hutchings is a Democrat. He is a member of the Masonic order, and of the Odd Fellows. He is an active worker in the Baptist Church, and has done considerable preaching in a num- ber of towns and villages.

ILLIAM I. CONOVER, who is a truck farmer in Norfolk County, Virginia. located at Edgewater, is one of the influential residents of of the county. He was born in Monmouth County, New Jersey, and is a son of John and Mary ( Schenck) Conover.

John Conover was born in 1835, and died in 1869, at the age of 344 years. He was reared in Monmouth County, New Jersey, and was by occupation a farmer. He married Mary

HENRY B. WILKINS

RESIDENCE OF HENRY B. WILKINS.

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Schenck, a daughter of John C. Schenck, form- erly a well-known farmer of Monmouth Coun- ty. who is decease.l. Mrs. Conover is still living, at the age of 68 years. She has had tive children, namely: John and Peter S., twins. both living in New Jersey; Charles, who is in business in Cincinnati ; Derua, who died in in- fancy: and William I., the subject of this sketch.

William I. Conover attended school two years at the Peddie Institute. Hightstown, New Jersey, and in 1869 removed to Norfolk Coun- ty. He finished his schooling at Lambert's Point, and later took up his present occupa- tion .- that of truck farming. He has one of the most beautiful homes in this section of the county. It is situated on the bank of the Eliza- beth River, and each day many vessels are to be seen passing the premises. Mr. Conover has always been successful in farming, and has found a ready market for all the products of luis land.

He married Ella Rue, a daughter of Mat- thew P. Rue. She was born in Monmouth County. New Jersey. They have one son,- John W.,-who is a student of Washington and Lee University at Lexington. Virginia. In politics, Mr. Conover is a Republican. He at- tends the Presbyterian Church. He is well known and highly respected in Norfolk County.

ENRY B. WILKINS, dealer in coal and wood at No. 1213 Washington street. Portsmouth, Norfolk County. Virginia, was reared on a farm, and at the age of 22 years settled in Ports- mouth. He became clerk for the banking house of Bain & Brother, and remained in their em- ploy 11 years. In 1885 he engaged in business for himself, opening a wood and coal estab- lishment at his present location. He has given his constant attention to this business since 1887. and has met with good success. He em- ploys several people to assist him and con- 41

ducts a large business in Portsmouth and vi- cinity. Honest and upright in his dealings. he has made many friends, who patronize him lib- erally.

Mr. Wilkins married Sarah L. Reed. of Baltimore, Maryland, and to them have been born four children, namely: Samuel, deceased. and Eva. Reed and Arthur, who are at home. Mr. Wilkins is a Democrat in politics, and. although he has not given much of his time to political matters, he served four years as a member of the City Council of Portsmouth.

He is a member of the Royal Arcanum. Religiously he is a member of the South Street Baptist Church. A portrait of Mr. Wilkins and a view of his home appear on a preceding page.

R. CHARLES WILSON DOUGH- TIE. This gentleman is a well- known physician of Norfolk County, Virginia, and is located at Lambert's Point. He was born in Nansemond County, Virginia, February 20. 1876. and is a son of H. S. Doughtie, and grandson of W. H. Doughtie.

H. S. Doughtie was a farmer by occupa- tion. He married Sarah J. Norfleet. also a native of Nansemond County. Virginia, and a daughter of John A. Norfleet. They reared one child, Charles Wilson, the subject of this sketch.

Charles Wilson Doughtie attended the schools of his native county, and also the Suf- folk Military Academy. Later, he entered the Medical College of Virginia, at Richmond, from which he was graduated in 1898. He began the practice of medicine in Nansemond County, whence lie removed to Lambert's Point. He has been associated with Dr. Her- bert R. Drewry, another well-known physician of Lambert's Point. Dr. Doughtie is a physi- cian and surgeon of great ability, and has been recognized as such in Norfolk County. He has a very large practice, and gives much of his

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time to medical societies, of several of which he is a prominent member.

Dr. Doughtie was married, November 21, 1900, to Florence M. Willis, a native of Rich- mond, Virginia. He is surgeon for the Nor- folk & Western Railway Company, and is one of the staff of Hospital St. Vincent de Paul. He is a member of the Board of Health of Norfolk County. of the Virginia State Medical Society, the Norfolk Medical Society, and the American Medical Association. Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias, Red Men, Elks and the Masonic order. Re- ligiously, he is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.

m W. DENNIS, a highly respected farmer living in Norfolk County, Virginia, is a native of this county, where he was born September 22, 1834. He is a son of M. and Mary (Dennis) Dennis.

The father of M. W. Dennis was a farmer and settled in Norfolk County when he was 50 years of age. His death occurred in 1898. He married Mary Dennis, a daughter of A. Dennis, who was born in Virginia. They reared seven children, of whom those living are as follows: M. W., whose name heads this sketch; Samuel; Mary, who married a Mr. Harrison ; and Leigh, who married a Mr. Smith.

M. W. Dennis was reared in West Nor- folk, and he has followed the occupation of a farmer all his life. He owns 100 acres of fine trucking land, which is kept under a splendid state of cultivation, and his farm is considered one of the best in Norfolk County.

Mr. Dennis was married in 1857 to Eliza- beth F. Love, a native of Norfolk County. They have been blessed with 14 children, of whom those living are as follows: Lulie J .: Julia J. : John E. : Willie H. : Fannie L. ; Ro- land; Maurice W .: and Claude. Mr. Dennis

enlisted in the Confederate Army in March, 1861, and saw much hard service along the James River. He was discharged on account of sickness.

Fraternally, he is a member of the Knights of Pythias. In politics, he is a Democrat. He is a member of the Baptist Church. There is no more enterprising citizen of Norfolk Coun- ty than Mr. Dennis. and he has a host of friends in that county.

R. HERBERT R. DREWRY, a well- known physician of Lambert's Point, Norfolk County, Virginia, was born in Southampton, Virginia. He is a son of E. A. and Laura S. (Roney) Drewry.

E. A. Drewry was a native of Southamp- ton, Virginia. He married Laura S. Roney, a native of Dinwiddie County, Virginia, and they reared the following children : Emmett, deceased ; Mary; and Herbert R., the subject of this biography. Mr. Drewry married, sec- ondly, Alta S. Booth, who was born in Peters- burg, Virginia. They have two children, namely : Patrick H. and Hunter L.

After finishing his primary education, Herbert R. Drewry attended the McCabe Academy, in Petersburg, and then entered the Virginia Military Institute, after which he was engaged in the feed business for one year and a half. He was connected with the Hotel Exchange of Richmond for 10 years, during which period he attended the Richmond Med- ical College. He was graduated from that in- stitution in 1895. and after practicing medicine in Richmond six months located in Norfolk. In 1896, he settled at Lambert's Point, where he has since resided, being associated in prac- tice with Dr. Charles Wilson Doughtie.

Dr. Drewry is one of the best physicians of Norfolk County, and has a large and lucra- tive practice. He has a perfect understanding of the science of medicine and surgery, and is

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always interested in any new methods, which are likely to be of assistance to him in his pro- fession. He easily wins the confidence of those who are associated with him, either profes- sionally or socially, and is highly respected for his many admirable traits of character.

Dr. Drewry is a member of the Norfolk Medical Society, the Seaboard Medical Asso- ciation, and the Virginia State Medical So- ciety. Fraternally, he is a member of the fol- lowing lodges : Masonic: Odd Fellows; Maccabees : Elks : K. A. M. O. : and Red Men. He attends the Prostestant Episcopal Church. Dr. Drewry stands very high in the com- munity.

UBREY L. CHILDRESS, who carries on a general trucking busi- ness, is living on his farm of 187 acres in Norfolk County, Virginia, near Ocean View. He was born in Appomattox County. Virginia, January 23, 1867, and is a son of T. C. Childress, who was also a native of Virginia.

T. C. Childress was a farmer by occupa- tion, and a soldier in the Confederate War. He married Jane R. Webb, a native of Vir- ginia, and they reared six children, of whom those living are as follows: Charles E .; Thomas W. : Alice B. : and Aubrey L., the sub- ject of this sketch.

Mr. Childress married Mrs. Elizabeth S. Fisher, a native of Norfolk County. She had three children by her previous marriage with L. J. Fisher, namely: Eddie T .: Emma V .; and Grace E. L. J. Fisher was a prominent man in this community. He served in the Confederate War as a member of Company C, 15th Regiment, Virginia Cavalry. Army of Northern Virginia, and was with his command all the time except 12 days when sick. He participated in all the engagements of his com- pany and was once wounded slightly. He was elected a member of Pickett-Buchanan Camp. February 25, 1884. After the war he settled on the place where Mr. Childress resides, and by diligence and economy was able to leave to his family the snug sum of about $60,000. invested in real estate. He died January 15. 1890. Mr. Childress and his wife have one child,-Tillman C., who was born in 1891.

The subject of this sketch is a member of the Elks. Politically, he casts his vote with the Democratic party. He is a Baptist in re- ligious views. Mr. Childress stands high in the community, where he is well known for his many admirable traits of character.

ILLIAM J. LAND. one of the prom- inent farmers of Norfolk County. Virginia, was born near Ocean View. on Tanner's Creek. October 12. 1851. He is a son of H. Land, also a native of Virginia.

Aubrey L. Childress received his mental training in Richmond, and spent his early life in and about that city. He settled in Norfolk County in 1885. locating on the farm where H. Land was a farmer and spent most of his life in Virginia. He married Mary Ellis, a native of Norfolk County, and a daughter of .William Ellis. They reared four children. namely: William J .. the subject of this sketch: Rittie, who married a Mr. Bunter : Sarah, wife of K. Q. Backus ; and Peter S. he has since lived. He owns 187 acres of land. but cultivates only 127 acres. He carries on a general trucking business, in which he has met with much success. He has always been deeply interested in agricultural matters, and is possessed of much practical knowledge in that line. He tries to keep abreast with the times William J. Land, whose name opens these lines. attended a private school and was reared on his father's farm, where he learned much in affairs that concern his business. and takes advantage of all new methods introduced to assist those engaged ir. the trucking business. , about agricultural matters. When he grew to

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manhood he also took up this occupation, and has successfully followed it since that time. He has 167 acres of land in Norfolk County, about 115 acres of which he cultivates. He also raises oysters on his farm, which he mar- kets. He takes a deep interest in the progress made by other farmers in the community, and always lends his assistance to any worthy en- terprise. He is possessed of much thrift and energy, and is upright in character and honest with all men.

In 1879, Mr. Land married Henrietta Butt, who died in 1880. In 1885, he married Mag- gie Bunting, a native of Norfolk County, and a daughter of George Bunting. They have four children, namely: Minnie, who married E. G. Harrison: Everett; Neva; and Mary. The subject of this sketch is a Democrat in politics. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. He is very well known in Norfolk County, where he is highly esteemed for his good qualities.

OHN S. WRIGHT, JR., general man- ager of the Churchland Manufactur- ing Company, has filled that position CG of trust since 1899, and stands among the foremost citizens of Norfolk County, Virginia. The company with which he is connected is based on Norfolk County capital, with W. B. Carney as president, and manufactures barrels, crates and baskets, the first-named product having been patented by Mr. Wright in 1899. The plant covers about 61/2 acres of land and consists of five build- ings, and furnishes employment to one hundred men. The daily output is estimated to be 3,000 barrels and 5,000 baskets, which find a ready market.

Mr. Wright is a native of the same county of which he is a resident, his birth having oc- curred May 18, 1857. He is a son of John S. Wright, Sr., and Julia Wells, his wife, and grandson of James Wright, who was a Vir-

ginian by birth, as was also the father of the subject hereof, who was born February 22, 1824.

John S. Wright, Sr., was a prominent man in his day. He had the advantage of a good education, having attended Richmond College, and finished his scholastic training in New York. At the early age of 21 years he pur- chased a farm on the Western Branch of the Elizabeth River, and was engaged in agricul- tural pursuits during the remainder of his life, although he followed mercantile pursuits for some years, in connection with farming. He was a believer in the principles of the Demo- cratic party, and in his religious life was a member of the Baptist Church for 50 years, and served for some time as a deacon. He de- parted this life May 15, 1897, and was mourned by many friends. His wife was a native of North Carolina, where her birth oc- curred in November, 1826. She had six chil- dren as follows: James W .; John S., Jr., the subject of this biography ; Mary F .; Julia W .; Stephen R. and Bettie W.

John S. Wright, Jr., derived his education from the Churchland Academy (Virginia ). and the Polytechnic College, of Blacksburg, Virginia. Upon completing his studies, he entered active life as a farmer and continued in that occupation for many years, until he en- tered upon the responsibilities of his present position as general manager of the Churchland Manufacturing Company. This he fills with' such diligence and ability as to place him high in the estimation of his colaborers.

Mr. Wright has been twice married, the first ceremony having taken place in December, ISS2, when he was united in marriage with Mary E. Wilkins, who was born in Northamp- ton County, Virginia. This union resulted in one child, John L., born in 1890. In October of the following year Mr. Wright was called upon to mourn the death of his beloved com- panion. In August, 1899, Mr. Wright was united in marriage with Annie E. Williams, who is a native of Petersburg, Virginia.

JOHN B. WHITEHEAD

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In political action, Mr. Wright is a zealous supporter of the Democratic party. In re- ligious attachment, he is a member of the Bap- tist Church. Fraternally, he belongs to the K. of P.

OHN B. WHITEHEAD, a representa- tive citizen of Norfolk, whose portrait is herewith presented. was born in the house where he now resides in that city. November 3. 1822. He pursued his studies in Elizabethtown, New Jersey, and at Coleman's school in Caroline County, Vir- ginia.

Nathan C. Whitehead, the father of John B., was born in Southampton County, Virginia, in 1792, and was a graduate of the old Penn- sylvania Medical College. He practiced med- icine in Norfolk with success and finally gave up the profession to accept the presidency of the Farmers' Bank, which responsible position he held for 27 years until his death, in 1856. He was a magistrate in Norfolk for 38 years. and during the scourge of vellow fever, upon the death of the mayor, took charge of the city. He was married in 1817 to Lillian Blair Mc- Pherson, who bore him several children, of whom the following five lived to maturity : Elizabeth, deceased in 1855: John B., the sub- ject of this sketch : Cornelia G., deceased wife of Henry Irvin. of Maryland : William C., who died in January, 1857: and Mary Elizabeth. deceased wife of Lieut. Carter Braxton Poin- dexter, of the United States Navy, and later, of the Confederate States Navy.

The grandfather of Mr. Whitehead was William Whitehead, a native of Southampton County, Virginia, and a farmer throughout his life.

John B. Whitehead served as president of the Common Council of Norfolk for many years, and was mayor from 1870 to 1872, and again from 1874 to 1876. He was for a time president of both the Exchange National and Franklin Banks, president of the Baker Sal-

vage Company and of the Dismal Swamp Canal Company ; he was president and principal owner of the Norfolk City Railway, from 1874 until 1887. Mr. Whitehead is, and has been for many years, engaged in the real estate busi- ness.

He was married in 1843 to Emily Arnold Herman. a daughter of Henry Herman, and their union was blessed with several children, of whom those surviving are: £ Henry C .; Emily. wife of Washington Taylor ; and Lily B .. wife of W. T. Walke. Jr.

D R. WILLIAM AA. FURCRON. Fore- most among the successful profes- sional men of Great Bridge, Norfolk County, Virginia, who by carefully diagnosing his cases, and bringing his knowledge to bear in the treatment of them, has established a high reputation in the city and its vicinity, is the subject of this sketch.i He is a native of New York. was born in. Brooklyn, September 11. 1869, and is the son of William A. and Mary T. (Snelling) Fur- cron. Both parents claimed Virginia as their, native State. The mother was a direct de- scendant of the Wood family, that came to. this country from England, and were among the first settlers of Jamestown. William A., Furcron was of French descent. and his an- cestors also came to America at an early date. He followed the fortunes of a tobacconist for many years, spending most of his life in the North, and during the Confederate War was. of much aid in buying supplies and helping to build fortifications. He was united in mar- riage with Mary T. Snelling, who was born in Chesterfield. Virginia. December 14. 1832. They reared a family of seven children, five of whom are still living, namely: Anna C .; Mary C .; Charles C. : Virginia F .. and William A. Mr. Furcron departed this life in April, 1900, at the age of 73 years.

William A. Furcron obtained his mental

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training in the schools of Jersey City, the major portion of his life having been spent at that place. Upon leaving school, he became assistant superintendent of a box factory and: successfully performed his duties there for the next seven years when he determined to fit himself for the medical profession. He ac- cordingly entered Bellevue Hospital Medical College, and graduated therefrom in 1894. Subsequently, he came to Virginia, where he decided to settle in Kempsville, Princess Anne, County, and practice his profession. His suc- cess was soon evident, but in 1898 he changed his location for the benefit of his practice, and sought a larger field for his labors in the town of Great Bridge and the country surrounding. He has continued to reside there ever since and, is enjoying his work and closely attending to. his growing practice. He is popular among, his friends, and commands the confidence and. esteem of the community in which he resides.

In December, 1895. the subject of this sketch was united in matrimony with Mary E. Stokley, who is a native of North Carolina. Both are devoted to the work of the Baptist Church, of which they are members. In poli- tics, Dr. Furcron is ever ready to stand for the interests of the Democratic party. Fraternal- ly, he is a Mason.

OHN STEWART WISE, known as one of Norfolk County's most active citizens, is engaged in a flourishing business as a truck farmer, and has been located on his present farm since

1894.

Mr. Wise is a son of the late John S. Wise, who, during his life, was engaged in the double occupation of farmer and merchant, and con- ducted a store at Churchland with notable suc- cess. He was one of the foremost men in his county, and in losing him Norfolk County lost a useful citizen and leader.

John Stewart Wise was born in Norfolk County, August 19, 1849. His education was

obtained at the Churchland Academy, after which he helped his father in the work of the farm. At the early age of 21 years, he com- menced truck farming on the Lysander H. Kingman farm, where he continued for four years. About that time he purchased an So- acre tract of land on Scott's Creek, where he established himself and lived for the next 20 years, previous to locating on his present farm, in 1894. His land is adapted to almost any branch of farming. Mr. Wise knows his busi- ness thoroughly, having had much experience in farming, and stands among the most suc- cessful truck farmers in the county. The products of the farm finds a ready market wherever they are sent.

May 5, 1881, Mr. Wise was joined in mat- rimony with Lucy Grimes, who was also born in Norfolk County, and is a daughter of Will- iam S. Grimes. They have reared two chil- dren, namely: Lucy Wortley, whose birth took place June 6, 1882; and Mary Stewart, born July 26, 1885. The family are devoted members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Wise, in his political opinions, is independent.

M. BIDGOOD, a prosperous truck farmer of Norfolk County. Virginia, has a splendid farm located on the Western Branch of the Elizabeth River. He was born on this farm September 19, 1848, and is a son of C. E. Bid- good.

C. E. Bidgood was born in Norfolk Coun- ty, Virginia, September 4, 1825, and died Oc- tober 24, 1900. His wife, Elizabeth Bidgood, was born December 23, 1827, and died Sep- tember 19, 1867. He spent his life in Norfolk County, engaged in farming. Politically, he was a strong supporter of Democratic prin-' ciples. Mr. and Mrs. Bidgood became parents of the following children: John W. : C. M., the subject of this biography; Thomas A. : Dr. Vincent C .; Nathaniel B .; and Anna J.

C. W. WALKER.

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C. M. Bidgood has passed his entire life in Norfolk County, with the exception of three years spent in Memphis, Tennessee. Hle is a progressive and successful agriculturist, em- ploying only the most approved methods of farming. Personally, he is a man of excellent character, and stands high in the esteem and good will of his fellow citizens.

February 19, 1880, Mr. Bidgood was joined in matrimony with Annie M. March, who was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1857, and they have five children. namely : Philip C .: Mary M .: Ellen: Annie K .: and Ernest C. Mr. Bidgood is a firm believer in the principles advocated by the Democratic party, and has always given that party his un- wavering support. Religiously, he is a mem- ber of the Churchland Baptist Church.

W. WALKER. a prominent citizen of Portsmouth, Norfolk County, Virginia, whose portrait is herewith shown, is proprietor of the Ports- mouth Steam Laundry, and is a very successful business man. He is a veteran of the Confederate War, and although only a boy at the time rendered valuable service to the Confederate cause. He was born at Ports- mouth. January 9. 1843. and is a son of Vin- cent Walker.

Vincent Walker was born in Delaware in March. 1803. and settled at Portsmouth. in 1831. serving as captain of the guard at the Navy Yard for 30 years. He ran the block- ade in October, 1862, in order to join the 1 Confederate Army, but being refused enlist- ment went to Charlotte, North Carolina, where during the remainder of the war he occupied the same position in the Confederate States Navy Yard he had previously held in the United States Navy Yard. He died in Ports- mouth in 1869. His wife, Sarah M. Hodges. a daughter of John M. Hodges, who was a sol- dier in the War of 1812, died in 1868.

Early in 1861 C. W. Walker joined the Junior Guards, an organization of boys about 15 years of age, who armed themselves as best they could. but they were not accepted by the government. He then acted as courier for Gen- cral Blanchard until the evacuation, after which, being refused permission to accompany the troops, he crossed the Federal line and en- tered the machine department of the Charlotte Navy Yard. Eighteen months later he en- listed in the navy, and for a year was on duty on the school-ship. "Indian Chief." in Charles- ton harbor. During this time he frequently had exciting adventures as one of the boat's crew which served in the protection of the city and Fort Sumter on night patrol. He was for three months a member of the guard of the Whitworth gun, at the foot of Calhoun street. and subsequently was detailed in the ordnance department at Selma, Alabama. After Sher- man had marched to the sea Mr. Walker vis- ited his father at Charlotte, following in the track of Sherman's army. He found the coun- try so stripped that it was with difficulty that he procured enough food to keep him alive while on the long tramp homeward. He served in the machine department at Charlotte until the arrival of the "gold train" from Richmond, after the evacuation of the capital, when he was among the men who volunteered as guard for the Confederate Treasury at Charlotte, North Carolina. The party was joined by Mrs. Davis, wife of the President, and her daughter. Winnie. During the trip by wagon to the railroad station, Mr. Walker was one of the three men who assisted Mrs. Davis in car- rying her daughter. when she sought relief from the tiresome journey by walking. He accompanied the party as far as Augusta, Georgia, and finally surrendered at Blacksburg. South Carolina, having served in the last or- ganized body of Confederate troops east of the Mississippi, and. perhaps, the last one to surrender. Since the close of the war Mr. Wal- ker has resided at Portsmouth, where he was for 15 years a locomotive engineer on the Sea-

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History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900, Part 101

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