History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900, Part 102

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

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HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY

board Air Line Railway. Then, for six years, he was master mechanic in the Portsmouth shops of the same company. Since 1895 he has conducted the Portsmouth Steam Laundry, and has a very prosperous business.

Mr. Walker is a member of Stonewall Canıp, Confederate Veterans, and in the Ma- sonic order has filled every office from that of junior deacon to that of commander of the Knights Templar. He organized the Knights of Dixie, which has since disbanded. He is a member of the City Council, and has done es- pecially good work as chairman of the street committee. He first married Azulah F. Knott, a daughter of Rev. William Knott, by whom three children were born, namely: J. V. K., Lee Wood and C. W., Jr. He formed a sec- ond union, wedding Mrs. Annie Beauregard (Warren) Riddick, a descendant of Gen. Jo- seph Warren, who was killed at Bunker Hill. They have one child, Russell Ashby.

ILLIAM F. WISE. The gentleman whose name heads this record is a highly esteemed and respected citi- zen of Norfolk County, Virginia, and owns 550 acres of choice farming land within its borders. He is among the foremost representative agriculturists in that section. Having a large amount of real estate in the vicinity of Norfolk, he founded West Norfolk in 1888, and has assisted very materially in building up this suburb, which now has a population of 1,200. Mr. Wise was born on the old Ballard farm in Norfolk Cou111- ty, Virginia, March 2, 1840. He is a son of John Stewart and Martha A. (Love) Wise, a grandson of Tully Wise, and great-grandson of George D. and Elizabeth (Stewart) Wise.

George D. Wise was the first of the Wise family to leave the Eastern Shore of Virginia, of which one John Wise was the founder in America, having located on the Eastern Shore soon after landing in this country. The union

of George D. Wise with Elizabeth Stewart took place October 3, 1783. John Stewart Wise was born near Craney Island, Norfolk County, Virginia, and during his particularly active life followed the double occupation of farmer and merchant. He built the first store at Churchland, and gave that place its name. He was a Whig, and was a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church. He was large- ly interested in educational matters, and was one of the principal organizers of the free school system in Virginia. He was a man of marked ability and was well known as a man of sterling qualities. His death took place in 1865, and he was deeply mourned by a large circle of friends.

He was joined in marriage with Martha A. Love, who was born at Love's Point (now West Norfolk), February 10, 1816. She was a daughter of John and Elizabeth Love, the former a native of Norfolk County, and a son of Alexander Love, a native of Paisley, Scot- land. Two sons and two daughters were born to John Stewart Wise and his wife, as follows : Tully, deceased : William F., the subject of this biography: Josephine, who married a Mr. Wright : and Martha A., wife of S. B. Carney.

William F. Wise received his primary edu- cation at the Churchland public school, and later attended Harroldville Academy, in North Carolina. In 1861, he enlisted in Company G. 39th Regiment Virginia Infantry, the 3rd Wise's Legion, thus taking up the cause of his State, and of the Confederate States of Amer- ica. The company, of which he was a mem- ber, disbanded October 27, 1861, and Mr. Wise was subsequently appointed 2nd lieutenant of Company C, 13th Regiment Virginia Cavalry, and served in that capacity until discharged from service June 25, 1865, when his chosen side laid down its arms and peace was once more established. During this bitter conflict, Mr. Wise endured many hardships, saw much active service, and was wounded several times. In 1863, at Brandy Station, he was wounded in the ankle, on account of which he was re-

JAMES EDWARD DUKE.

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

tired from Lee's army. He continued with his command, however, and was wounded at Sail- or's Creek, the last battle of the war, where he was injured in the spine. He was captured at Appomattox Court House, was taken to Wash- ington, where his release by General Grant fol- lowed. May 20, 1865, and he returned to Nor- folk the following day.

Mr. Wise has been thrice married. His first union was contracted in 1866, with Lucy A. Ballard, who died in 1867, leaving one son, William L., who is still a resident of Church- land. The second marriage of Mr. Wise was contracted with Mary W. Nelms, a native of Isle of Wight County. Virginia. September 18. 1873. she, too, crossed the river of death, leaving two children .- a daughter Emma. now Mrs. J. B. Lindsay, and a son, George N., an attorney-at-law in Newport News. He is a graduate of the Virginia Military Institute and the University of Virginia. In 1886, Mr. Wise was united in marriage with his present wife, at that time Fanny ( Krozer) Jett, a daughter of Dr. John R. Krozer, who is today the oldest practicing physician in Baltimore, Maryland. It will be remembered that in "Baker's Secret Service of the United States" it is stated that William S. Jett was with Bain- bridge and Ruggles at the water's edge when John Wilkes Booth made his escape on Mr. Jett's horse across the Potomac River to Gar- rett's barn, where Booth was later killed; and that Mr. Jett was tried for his life for helping Booth to escape. He was found innocent of the charge and liberated. He was merely showing his humanity to a suffering man, not knowing that the fugitive was John Wilkes Booth. Mrs. Wise is also a granddaughter of Dr. Krozer, who had the honor of being sur- geon of the illustrious Napoleon.

Mr. Wise is one of the most progressive farmers in his section, and carries on a general trucking business, which when properly man- aged yields a splendid income. He is inde- pendent in politics, and like his father believes in the doctrines and tenets of the Protestant

Episcopal Church. His fine farm of 550 acres is located on the Western Branch of the Eliza- beth River.

AMES EDWARD DUKE. a member of the firm of Duke & Smith and of the Southampton Lumber Company. of Norfolk, Virginia, of which he is treasurer, is one of the prominent and influential business men of that city. He was born in Manchester. Virginia. September 12. 1867, and is a son of James and Cordelia ( Humphreys) Duke, both natives of North Carolina.

James Duke, the father, was for many years engaged in growing and selling tobacco. and for some years was prominently engaged in agricultural pursuits. He also engaged in the mercantile business with success. He was a man of affairs, emploved many people, and was well and favorably known over Virginia and Eastern North Carolina. He was com- missioner for two terms, but owing to lack of time refused to serve longer in that capacity. He was a man of exceptional ability and a most worthy citizen. He and his wife. Cordelia, were both of the Episcopal faith. Mr. Duke was thrice married, his first union being with Polly Gray: three children were born of this marriage : Thomas Jefferson. who died at the age of 52 years : William, who died in 1878. at the age of 42 years: and Martha, who died at the age of 39 years and was the wife of William D. Elliott. Mr. Duke's second wife died after nine months of married life. His third wife was Cordelia Humphreys, by whom he had two children: James Edward; and Elizabeth, wife of William J. Cowell, who re- sides in North Carolina. Mr. Duke died Oc- tober 26. 1890, aged about 69 years, and his wife died January 21. 1881. at the age of 47 years. She came of a Virginia and North Car- olina family.

James Edward Duke, subject of this bio- graphy, attended the public schools of North

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HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY

Carolina, then completed a collegiate course at King's Mountain, and subsequently attended the Bingham Military Institute. After his school days he taught in the public schools of North Carolina for two years, and was very successful in that line of work. He next en- gaged in office work for some four years, oc- cupying various responsible positions, one of them being with the L. T. Gwathmey Com- pany, who did an extensive lumber business in Norfolk, Virginia.

In June, 1893, he formed a co-partnership in the lumber business with A. R. Smith, which has since existed. They deal chiefly in North Carolina and Georgia yellow pine, although they also handle hard woods and white pine in large quantities. The local trade receives their attention when the purchaser desires lumber in car-load or cargo lots, but their main channels of delivery are found in the Northern markets and European ports. They are largely en- gaged in supplying the government with white and yellow pine. In recent years two large sawmills have been erected for the purpose of supplying their constantly growing trade, one being. located at Southampton, Virginia, on the Seaboard Air Line Railway and the other in Norfolk County. More than 100 men are given employment in these mills. The firm also acts as selling agent for a North Carolina pine mill which was erected near Spring Hope. on the Atlantic Coast Line. From these three mills at once, this firm is able to supply 75,000 feet of lumber daily. It is one of the most prosperous lumber firms in the South, and it is safe to say Mr. Duke is justly entitled to the credit of being one of Norfolk's most enterprising and responsible young business men. He is president of the Southern Amuse- ment Company at Virginia Beach, and presi- dent of the Battery Park Amusement Company, located at Rodman Heights, Portsmouth, Vir- ginia. He is "bojum" of the Supreme Nine, Concatenated Order of Hoo-Hoo, an organiza- tion designed for prominent dealers in lumber and sawmill machinery. The honor of the

"bojumcy" was conferred upon him by the or- der at the convention held at Norfolk in annual session September 9-13, 1901, it being attended by members from all parts of the United States, representing the different branches.

Mr. Duke is very fond of travel and has visited abroad, combining business with pleas- ure. He made a tour of London, Liverpool, Edinburgh, Berlin and most of the large cities of Europe, including Paris, where he spent sev- eral weeks in viewing the exposition.

Mr. Duke was united in marriage Novem- ber 20, 1895. with Mary Rose Loughran, who was born in Washington, D. - C., and is a daughter of Daniel and Mary (Fitzgerald) Loughran. Mrs. Duke is a graduate of one of the leading convents-Holy Cross-of the city of Washington, and is a lady of culture and of pleasing presence. Both of her parents are now living; her father is an extensive wholesale and retail tobacco merchant of the city of Washington, and is also a large real estate owner.

A portrait of Mr. Duke may be seen in connection with this sketch; it appears on a foregoing page.

AMES S. COOPER, one of the many prominent truck farmers of Norfolk County, Virginia, is living on a fine farm near City Park, Norfolk. He was born in Norfolk, July 5, 1841, and is a son of Samuel Cooper.

Samuel Cooper died when James S. was but three years old. He was a farmer by oc- cupation. He married Jakie Lane, a Virginia lady, who died but 18 months after her hus- band's death.

James S. Cooper received his mental train- ing in Norfolk. He enlisted in the army dur- ing the Confederate War, beginning service February, 1862, in the St. Bride's Artillery. He was afterward transferred to the 14th Regiment Virginia Infantry. He took part in

R. A. HUTCHINS.

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AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

the battle of Bermuda Hundred, and also the battle of Seven Pines, and received an honor- able discharge at the close of the war. He be- gan work as a truck farmer, but, having no money, was obliged to commence at the bottom and work up. This he did most successfully, and labored with untiring energy and zeal. He is now the owner of several farms and a hand- some residence near City Park in Norfolk. His home is provided with all modern im- provements, and his land is kept in a condition of excellent cultivation. His advice is often sought on matters pertaining to the tilling of the soil, as he is considered an authority on such matters.

Mr. Cooper married Emily S .. Flora, a daughter of Alexander Flora. Mr. Flora was the father of the following children. namely : Henry C., who died in the army. being a member of the same company as Mr. Cooper: Emily, the wife of Mr. Coop- er: and Sarah Frances and Alexander, de- ceased. Alexander Flora's wife was Jane Lambert, a native of Lambert's Point. Mr. Cooper and his wife have the following chil- dren, namely: Henry Cornelius, who was born in 1867. is engaged in the trucking busi- ness, and married Lillie Cheney of Sewell's Point : Mary Susan, who lives at home : Lelia Jane, who married C. F. Miller, a truck farm- er : and Irene, who is at home.

Mr. Cooper is a Democrat in politics. His ' family belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. He is an upright citizen, and is held in the highest esteem by all who know him.

R A. HUTCHINS. a prominent citizen of Portsmouth. Virginia, whose por- trait accompanies this sketch, has served in the capacity of city collector since 1883. and his conduct of affairs has met with the universal approval of the pub- lic. He was born at Portsmouth in 1842, and is a son of George W. Hutchins.

George W. Hutchins was born in the Dis- trict of Columbia, and at an early day removed to Portsmouth, Virginia, where he became a ship-carpenter . in the United States Navy Yard. About 1836 he was married at South Portsmouth to a daughter of Moses Taylor. an early resident of that place. Mr. Taylor was born in Princess Anne County, Virginia, and removed to what is now Fourth street. South Portsmouth. He was foreman of the riggers at the Navy Yard for many years, and died during the Confederate War. at the age of about 76 years. He was a leading Democrat of his community, and was a prominent mem- ber of the Baptist Church. His wife died in 1855 of yellow fever. They had eight children, as follows: W. T., of Portsmouth, who was a brick-mason by trade and is now living in retirement : Mrs. James W. Bromley, of Portsmouth: Mrs. Virginia Ricketts, also of Portsmouth; Mary A. Harrison, widow of William Harrison, an upholsterer of Norfolk, who now resides at Staten Island, New York, at the age of 77 years; Mrs. Hutchins, the mother of R. A .; Robert, deceased ; George, who died of yellow fever in 1855; and Mrs. Elizabeth Butt, deceased. George W .Hutch- ins and his wife became the parents of 10 chil- dren, six of whom are now living, as follows : R. A. : Eudora (Lumber), of Newport News, who married a leading contractor formerly of Baltimore, Maryland : Virginia ( Thomas), whose husband has been in charge of the mag- azine at Fort Norfolk for the past 20 years, and who lives on Washington street, in Ports- mouth : Emily (Myers), of Portsmouth, who married a tailor ; Almedia, of Portsmouth ; and S. B., a record of whose life appears elsewhere in this work.

R. A. Hutchins was reared and schooled at Portsmouth, and served his time as an ap- prentice to the trade of ship-builder in the Navy Yard. He later built many steamboats and barges in the harbor. On April 21, 1861, he enlisted in the Marion Rifles, of South Portsmouth, having previously belonged to the

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HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY

volunteer company from the time he was 18 years old. He saw much hard fighting and continued with his regiment until taken pris- oner at the battle of Gettysburg, when he was sent to Fort Delaware and Point Lookout. He returned to Portsmouth just prior to the close of the war, on account of sickness. He did not again engage in business for several years, ow- ing to the condition of his health. In 1872 he embarked in the grocery business in South Portsmouth, and continued to follow that line until 1883. He had served two terms in the City Council and in that year was made city collector to succeed H. A. Allen, being the first official selected to that office by the people. While a member of the Council he was chair- man of the street committee, when paving was introduced. He has always been one of the most progressive men of Portsmouth, and en- joys the highest esteem of his fellow citizens.

In November, 1865, R. A. Hutchins was joined in the bonds of matrimony with Mary E. Barrett, who was born in Portsmouth, and is a daughter of Henry Barrett, who died of yellow fever in 1855. Eight children blessed this union, as follows: Henry A., a travel- ing salesman for G. & R. Barrett, of Norfolk; R. A., Jr., a ship-carpenter in the Navy Yard. who married a daughter of M. W. Allen, and has three children : Claude E., shipping and re- ceiving clerk for G. & R. Barrett, of Norfolk, who is married and has two children ; Ruth, wife of WV. N. White, a gunsmith of Ports- mouth; E. Linwood, who died at Colorado Springs at the age of 21 years, and was in the employ of the Virginia Chemical Company ; Laura : William R., a clerk in the Navy Yard ; and Peyton Coles, who lives at home and is serving an apprenticeship to the machinist trade at the Navy Yard. The family home is at No. 1024 Dinwiddle street, in which neigh- borhood Mr. Hutchins has lived for more than 36 years. He has always been a stanch Demo- crat in politics. Socially lie is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He has been a Mas- ter Mason for 16 years; he was master of

Portsmouth Naval Lodge, No. 100, A. F. & A. M., for two years. He is a member of Portsmouthı Lodge, No. 16, K. of P. He lias been a member of the Court Street Baptist Church for 36 years, and a deacon therein for many years.

E. POWELL, a prosperous truck- farmer of Norfolk County, Virginia, is located in one of the best trucking districts in the United States. He has operated on an extensive scale, and uses only modern methods in carrying on his enterprise. He was born on the Talbot farm in Norfolk County, June 9, 1854, and is a son of James H. and Martha Eliza (Ost) Powell.

James H. Powell was born on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. in 1822, and died in 1870, at the age of 48 years. He was reared on a farm and followed the occupation of a farmer throughout his life, raising vegetables for the New York, Boston and Philadelphia markets. He married Martha Eliza Ost, whose family has been located at Sewell's Point for more than 100 years, and they became parents of the following children: C. E., the subject of this biography: Robert T., who is a farmer, and also takes an active interest in politics : \V. T., a successful farmer; Susan (Ferrett). whose husband is a merchant of Norfolk; and Brice, who is a farmer and a magistrate.

C. E. Powell, being the oldest son, was naturally the one to take his father's place upon the latter's death, and he assumed charge of the farm and reared and educated the children. It was a hard task for one so young, but well did he accomplish it, keeping the children to- gether until they matured and became settled. He has, in the main, engaged in raising vege- tables on his home-farmi of 60 acres, and his two other farms, which he runs in connection. He has commodious outbuildings for the hous- ing of his produce and stock, and built a com- fortable home to replace the old house, which

FRANKLIN PORTLOCK.

OH Ls Portock

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AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

had been standing for over a century. He is a great lover of fine stock, and makes a special- ty of his Shropshire sheep and Poland-China hogs, which are unexcelled in the State.

In 1879. Mr. Powell was united in mar- riage with Anna Cromwell, whose family has been well known in this State for more than 200 years, and is descended from Oliver Crom- well. Two children were the issue of this; union, namely: Nellie C., born December 19, 1879: and Charles E., born October 27, 1892. Mr. Powell is a Democrat in State politics, but is inclined to be independent in national af- fairs, having voted for Mckinley in 1900. He attends the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, although not a member, and is one of its most liberal supporters. He is very chari- table toward the poor, always looks out for their interests in the community, and conse- quently enjoys their highest esteem and good will.

RANK L. PORTLOCK. the well- known road commissioner of Norfolk County, Virginia, also a surveyor. is engaged in farming south of Berkley. He was born near Great Bridge Sep- tember 6. 1859. and is a son of Franklin Port- lock.

Franklin Portlock was born in Norfolk County in 1826, the Portlock family having come to Virginia quite early in the seven- teenth century. He married Eugenia H. Ta- tem, a native of Norfolk County, and a daugh- ter of Dr. William Tatem. Franklin Portlock was a farmer and brick manufacturer. To him and his wife were born the following children : Judge William Nathaniel, of Norfolk County : Emily A .: Eugenia T .. who married T. WV. Butt; Frank L .. the subject of this sketch : Bet- tie B., deceased : and Fanny B., who married C. L. Young.

Frank L. Portlock attended school in Nor- folk County, and after finishing his studies taught until 1890. His school was located at

Oak Grove, one mile north of Great Bridge. In 1890 he was elected road commissioner of Norfolk County, and has since held that office. In addition to this office he carries on general farming and stock raising, and in this is very successful. By reason of the confidence placed in him he was apointed to his present position. and he has filled that office in a most accepta- ble manner. Mr. Portlock was instrumental in securing the right of way for the extension of the Berkley Branch Street Railway to Money Point.

In 1898 Mr. Portlock married Marion West, who was born in Norfolk County, and is a daughter of L. M. West. They have one child. Marion E. The subject of this sketch is a Democrat in politics. He is a prominent member of Providence Christian Church, of which he is clerk. He is a member of Hick- ory Ground Lodge. No. 180. A. F. & A. M .. of which he is master. He is also notary pub- lic. having been commissioned in September. 1900. Portraits of Frank L. Portlock and his father. Franklin Portlock. accompany this sketch, being presented on foregoing pages.

HULL DAVIDSON. one of the best-known citizens of Norfolk, is proprietor of the New Atlantic Ho- tel of that city, and also of Ocean View Hotel of Ocean View. Virginia. He was born in Lexington. Kentucky, and is a son of James T. Davidson, who was a banker.

Mr. Davidson attended Kentucky Univer- sity at Lexington, and after completing his education went into the First National Bank of that city as a clerk. He continued in that position for eight years, and then began the manufacture of machinery. as a member of the firm of Davidson & Williams. In 1884 he became proprietor and manager of the Phoe- nix Hotel : he purchased the property in 1891. and at the same time organized the present

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Phoenix Hotel Company. He continued as manager until 1893, when he resigned to give his entire attention as mayor to the admin- istration of the city's affairs. He was elected to this office in 1892, by a majority of 1,000 votes. He refused a renomination, and at the same time refused the nomination for State Senator from Fayette County. From 1894 to 1897 he was editor of the Lerington Daily Argonaut, the only daily paper in Central Kentucky to support William Jennings Bryan for the presidency in 1896. In 1897 he sold out his interests in Lexington and moved to New York, where he engaged in the wholesale liquor business. In 1900 he took charge of the restaurants in the American Pavilion at the Paris Exposition, furnishing banquets for State delegations, foreign potentates and other distinguished visitors. He studied up on hotel systems and the catering business while in Europe, and on his return to the United States concluded to go back to the hotel business. In 1901 he took charge of the Ocean View Hotel at Ocean View, Virginia, which he still con- ducts. He has met with grand success in this enterprise, bringing it up to a high plane as a fashionable summer hostelry. When the At- lantic Hotel was sold in September, 1901, he organized a company and became its manager. Under such capable management the New At- lantic became the most popular hotel in the city. being first class in all its appointments. Mr. Davidson established the Parisian Cafe, which, for novelty and efficient service, ap- pealed strongly to popular favor, and is at all times well patronized. Another pleasant fea- ture of this hostelry is a barber shop unex- celled in all the South, which has proved as popular with the citizens of Norfolk as with the traveling public. Mr. Davidson has al- ways led a life of great activity wherever he has been located. He was prominent in public affairs as a resident of Lexington, Kentucky, where he organized the Chamber of Commerce and served as its second president.

The subject of this sketch was joined in

matrimony with Magdalen D. Lancaster, of Lexington, a daughter of M. P. Lancaster. She died in 1897, leaving two children,-Anne E .; and Merritt L., who is a member of the class of 1903 at Yale University. Fraternally, Mr. Davidson is a Mason, and has attained the rank of Knight Templar and Noble of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks : Knights of Pythias; Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Improved Order of Red Men : and the Order of Hoo Hoos. He was elected an honorary member of the Traveling Men's Association, and is one of the incorporators of the Ter-Centennial Exposition of Norfolk.

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History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900, Part 102

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