History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900, Part 103

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 103

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OL. WILLIAM W. SALE. Among the young attorneys at law of Nor- folk who have achieved signal suc- cess in the practice of their profes- sion, none stands higher than the gentleman named above. Possessed of a de- termination to succeed and learned in legal lore, it was but a short time after he opened his office until he had a lucrative practice. which has increased as each succeeding year has passed by. He is a power in the workings of the Democratic party in this district. and at present represents Norfolk City and Princess Anne County in the State Senate.

Colonel Sales was born in Fairfield. Rock- bridge County. Virginia, September 20, 1870, and is a scion of a distinguished old Virginia family. On the maternal side he is a grandson of John Templeton, of Scotch-Irish extraction, famous as an agriculturist during his day. William M. Sale, the Colonel's father, was an extensive planter, and one of the largest slave owners in the Valley of Virginia.

William W. Sale was reared on a farm and performed all the duties incidental to farming until he was 18 years old. when he accepted a position as clerk in a general store. He cultivated his mind in the various schools

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of his native county, and in 1890 matriculated at Washington and Lee University, from which he graduated with distinction in 1893. with a degree of Bachelor of Laws. In the fall of 1893 he entered upon the practice of his profession in Norfolk, having formed a partnership with W. A. Ross, which continued until 1895. since which time he has practiced alone. llis success at the bar is too well known to require mention here. He has made a specialty of corporation law and chancery practice, and has a well-established clientage. He is attorney for the National Building As- sociation, and the Guarantee Building & Loan Association of Baltimore. He is also vice- president of the Southern Shorthand & Busi- ness University, and lectures once a week on commercial subjects. Colonel Sale is promi- nent in military affairs, with which he has long been identified. He was for a time secretary and treasurer of the Lee Rifles, and an active member for several years of Company A, 4th Regiment, Virginia Infantry. He was ap- pointed a member of the military staff of Gov- ernor J. Hoge Tyler in January, 1898, with the rank of colonel of cavalry, a position which he now holds, being probably the young- est man ever appointed to that position. He was recently appointed commissioner of valu- ation for the city of Norfolk, being the first inan so appointed. The position was worth from $7,000 to $8.000 per annum in a city of Norfolk's size, but it was rendered valueless by the action of the Supreme Court of Vir- ginia in declaring the Act creating it uncon- stitutional. Colonel Sale is an enthusiastic worker in the Democratic party, and in 1896 was spoken of as a candidate for the State Legislature, but withdrew his name before the convention met. He is a member of the Dem- ocratic City Executive Committee, and vice- president of the Third Ward Democratic Club, which is next to the largest political or- ganization in Norfolk. He was a delegate to the National Democratic Convention at Kan-

sas City, Missouri, which renominated Will- iam Jennings Bryan in 1900.

Colonel Sale is a prominent member of the Knights of the Mystic Chain, and is treasurer of the local lodge. He is aso a member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity. He is possessed of 10 mean ability as an orator, is a lucid and entertaining speaker, and his words carry great weight with a jury or miscellaneous audience. He takes a deep interest in all that concerns the progress of Norfolk, and lends his earnest support to aff public enterprises and improve- ments.

APT. EUGENE B. WILLIS, who is in the service of the Old Dominion Steamship Company, was born in Smyrna. North Carolina, April 22. 1854, and is a son of Cicero and Theresa (Piner ) Willis. Both his parents were born in North Carolina, and his father followed the trade of a carpenter through his active life, dying in 1888, aged 61 years,-his wife still survives him, and is living in Smyrna, North Carolina.

Eugene B. Willis attended the public schools of Smyrna and grew to manhood in that town. At the age of 18 years he shipped before the mast on a sailing vessel. and fol- lowed that a number of years ; he then entered the coast survey service, in which he remained for three years. Afterward he entered the revenue service. and later secured a position on the Clyde line of steamers. He left the employ of the Clyde Steamship Company August 30, 1886, to enter the service of the Old Dominion Steamship Company, in which 'he has re- mained up to the present writing. He has filled the positions of first and second mate and master. The first vessel which he commanded was the "Albemarle," and he has also com- manded the "Rosalie," "Ocracoke." "Hat- teras." "Newberne." and for the past 18 months has been captain of the "Rosalie."

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He has a thorough knowledge of navigation. and is one of the best masters in the employ of the Old Dominion Steamship Company.

Captain Willis was united in marriage with Maria H. Davis, who was born in Smyrna, North Carolina. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M., also of the Old Dominion Benev- olent Association, and the Association of Mas- ters & Pilots of Steam Vessels of the United States.

OHN W. JONES is a prominent con- tractor and builder located on Chesa- peake avenue, Berkley, Norfolk Coun- ty. Virginia, and has erected many large and important buildings throughout this county and in adjoining counties. He was born in Norfolk County, Virginia, February 28, 1858, and is a son of William and Frances (Boushell) Jones, both natives of Norfolk County.

William Jones was born in Norfolk Coun- ty, Virginia, in 1832, and became a teacher. He taught in private schools for several years, and then abandoned the profession and ac- cepted a position in Norfolk as a fancy painter, having served an apprenticeship as coach- painter when a boy. He and his wife were earnest members of the Christian Church, and took an active part in church work. He died in 1867. his wife, who was born in 1826, hav- ing died in 1866. Both came of well-known Virginia families, and they became parents of two children, of whom the youngest, Marion, died in infancy.

John W. Jones attended the public and private schools of Norfolk County, and after his school days served an apprenticeship to the carpenter trade, at which he worked for several years. He then branched into con- tracting and building for himself. and many large buildings have been erected under his direction. He built the D. B. Bradford Build- ing in Elizabeth City, North Carolina : the John T. Spratley Building, in Surry County; the 1

Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church, South, in Berkley; the People's Bank Building, in Berkley; the Waverly Building, for W. L. Berkley ; the Salisbury Building, occupied by Robert Salisbury; a large school-building at Lambert's Point ; another large school-house at Scottsville, and two of the largest school- buildings in the county outside the limits of Norfolk and Portsmouth. He has erected many of the fine residences in each of the twin cities, and his work compares favorably with that of any other contractor and builder in the county. He is also connected with the W. M. Tilley Company, which deals in sash, doors, biinds and lumber at Berkley. He is a director in the Berkley Permanent Building & Loan Association ; and is a member of the Berkley Business Men's Association. He also holds stock in the People's Bank, and in the LeRoy Manufacturing Company, of Berkley.

October 27, 1887, Mr. Jones was joined in marriage with Clara E. Tilley, who was born in Baltimore, Maryland, and is a daugh- ter of E. M. Tilley, of Berkley. They have four children, namely: Edward T .; Wesley T. ; Delha B. ; and Raymond T. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are members of the Liberty Street Methodist Episcopal Church, South, of which 'he is a member of the board of stewards. Fra- ternally he belongs to Berkley Lodge, No. 167, A. F. & A. M.

h ARRY L. TROTMAN, who has a farm of 400 acres near Churchland. Norfolk County. Virginia, is one of the well-known agriculturists of the county. He was born at Churchland. and is a son of T. E. Trotman.

T. E. Trotman is a prominent farmer and merchant of Norfolk County. He was born in Gates County. North Carolina. He married Mary Sears, a native of Nansemond County, Virginia, and they were blessed with two chil- dren. namely : Percy E., a farmer ; and Harry L .. the subject of this sketch.

HENRY DUKE.

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Harry L. Trotman attended school at Churchland and later went to college. After leaving college he engaged in the merchandise business with his father, in which he still con- tinues. His farm is one of the finest in the State, and Mr. Trotman takes great pride in its cultivation. He is a man of honest. up- right character, and is greatly respected by all who come in contact with his pleasing person- ality. He is honest and fair in his dealings, and is a man of good business ability. Mr. Trotman is a Democrat in politics. He is a member of the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks.

h ENRY DUKE. Among the many pros- perous farmers of Norfolk County. Virginia. is the gentleman whose name heads this sketch, and whose portrait is shown on the opposite page. He was born in Nansemond County. Virginia. July 17, 1844, and is a son of Whitman and Susan Duke.

Whitman Duke was born in Nansemond County. Virginia, where he farmed until the time of his death, which occurred in 1866. at the age of 87 years. His wife, who was also a native of Nansemond County, died in 1861. Of II children born to this union, but two are now living. namely: Hardy ; and Henry. the subject of this sketch.

Henry Duke attended school in Nansemond County, and resided with his parents until the Confederate War broke out. He enlisted in 1861 in Company I, 9th Regiment. Virginia Infantry. Craney Island Light Artillery, from which he was transferred to Company C. 13th Regiment. Virginia Cavalry, and served until the close of the war. He was courier for General John R. Chambers and took part in the following bat- tles : Brandy Station : Gettysburg: Spottsyl- vania ; The Wilderness : and Hanover Junction. He was struck by bullets several times-one passing through his clothing and the other 43

through his hat-but, singularly, he was never wounded. He was discharged from the serv- ice at the surrender at Appomattox Court House.

He then returned to Suffolk, and removed to Norfolk County in 1867, where he engaged in truck farming near Churchland. Ile has since continued truck farming for himself. be- sides managing the Kingman farm. He has a thorough knowledge of agricultural affairs, is modern and progressive in every way, and is looked upon as a gentleman of much ability.

Mr. Duke was married in November, 1869. to Elizabeth A. Mears, who was born in Nanse- mond County, Virginia, and died January 16, 1902. Mr. Duke is a Democrat in politics. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and Masonic lodges. Religiously he is a member of the Baptist Church. He has many friends in Norfolk County, and is held in high esteem by all in the community.

HOMAS KEVILL. deceased. for many years one of the most prominent citi- zens of Norfolk, Virginia, was born in Ireland, and was six months okl when he emigrated to Canada with his parents. He went from there to Lowell. Massachusetts, where he attended school for a time, and then went into the clothing business at Boston as a member of the Ingalls Com- pany. He removed to Norfolk, Virginia. in 1848, and opened a branch store, remaining in business there until his retirement in 1892. He died January 23. 1898, at the age of 73 years.

Mr. Kevill was captain of a volunteer fire company of Norfolk, and drilled and fitted his men out for service in the Confederate Army at his own expense. He was made captain of the Norfolk United Artillery, Company A. Smith's Battalion, April 19. 1861. They were stationed at Fort Norfolk during the first year of the war, up to the evacuation of Norfolk,

HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY

and during that time he volunteered with 31 of his men to fight aboard the iron-clad "Mer- rimac"-"Virginia" against the Federal fleet in Hampton Roads. in March, 1862. He was in charge of a 9-inch Dahlgren gun, the muzzle of which was shot off, but he continued in the engagement in that condition, sinking the U. S. S. "Cumberland" and burning the U. S. S. "Congress." He participated in the bat- tles about Richmond, and afterward went to Drewry's Bluff, being in the battle of Howlett House of James River, near the front of Dutch Gap. On the retreat when Richmond was evacuated he was on the left flank of Gen- eral Gordon and finally surrendered with the Army of Northern Virginia at Appomattox Court House, April 9, 1865. He was a mem- ber of Pickett-Buchanan Camp, Confederate Veterans.

After the war Captain Kevill returned to Norfolk and sold the most valuable piece of property he possessed to pay off obligations contracted before the war. He served as chief engineer of the Norfolk volunteer and paid fire departments for a period of 23 years. He was a man of the highest type and was loved and respected by every one with whom he was acquainted.

In 1850 Mr. Kevill was married to Au- gustine L. Shield, who was born in Norfolk and was a daughter of William Shield. She died in 189.4. at the age of 59 years. Religi- ously. both were members of St. Mary's Ro- man Catholic Church. They were parents of seven children, as follows: Thomas, deceased ; William J., deceased, who was educated in the American College of Lorraine, France, and was a Jesuit priest of Washington, D. C .; Mary, widow of Michael Glennan; Anna Se- lina, wife of James E. Allen, a merchant of Norfolk : Virginia Buchanan, who was born in 1862. and died in infancy, was named after Commander Buchanan, of the "Merrimac"- "Virginia:" Thomas Francis, a tobacco mer- chant of Washington, D. C., enlisted in Com- pany K, Fourth Regiment, Virginia Infantry,

and went on garrison duty in Cuba after the war; and Joseph Emmett, who is clerking in Norfolk, also served in the Fourth Regiment, Virginia Infantry, under Col. George W. Taylor.

R .CHARD E. WOOD, the capable and efficient captain of the ferry-boat "Queen City," which plies between Berkley and Portsmouth, Virginia, is a resident of the former city, and holds licenses as a marine engineer and as master and as pilot of steam vessels. He has spent many years of service on board various vessels, and has worked his way up from a common deck-hand to positions of importance and trust, to which he does honor by his care- ful, discreet management and faithful service. Mr. Wood, like his parents. is a native of North Carolina, where he was born October 2, 1871. He is a son of Samuel F. and Martha Anne (Downing) Wood. The latter was a daughter of Joseph and Nancy Downing, and died at the age of 46 years. She was through- out her life a devout Methodist. Samuel F. Wood was born in 1850, and is a marine engi- neer of some prominence, being at the pres- ent time employed on the tug "Chowan." which runs from Norfolk to North Carolina ports. He is a member of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, and of the Ma- rine Engineers' Association.

Mr. Wood is one of a family of nine chil- dren, six of whom are living. as follows: Joseph : Maud Olivia; Richard E .; Felder : Elwood S .: and Samuel F., Jr. All of the brothers followed in the footsteps of their fa- ther and chose life on the water. while the only sister. married Columbus Sivills. section mas- ter on the Norfolk & Southern Railroad, and resides at Shore, North Carolina. Joseph is captain of the Seaboard Air Line Railway tug "Dorothea." at Norfolk. Felder is captain of the ferry-boat "Elizabeth." running between Norfolk and Berkley. Elwood S. is employed

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on the steamer "Norfolk," and Samuel F., Jr., on the tug "Delmar."

In 1892 Mr. Wood was united in marriage with Ella M. Hudgins, a daughter of William R. and Mary ( Sears) Hudgins, and enjoyed a brief period of wedded bliss. Mrs. Wood was a native of North Carolina. She was called to her heavenly home September 3, 1901, leaving, besides her sorrowing husband, a little daugh- ter. Lillie Maud, who was born in Berkley, in February, 1894. Mr. Wood formed a sec- ond union January 1, 1902, wedding Estella L. Bowden, and they now reside at No. 409 Harrison street, Portsmouth.

Mr. Wood attended the public schools of his native city, and then adopted the life of a mariner. which he has followed ever since. He first worked in the capacity of fireman on the tug "William F. Taylor" and later on the "E. B. Lane," after which he served as deck- hand on the "William C. Pierrepont." He was serving as such when the vessel was burned at Portsmouth, and Mr. Wood nar- rowly escaped death. After being employed in a similar capacity on the tug "Victoria" for a short time he conceived a desire to take a sea voyage, and during the following four years had many rough experiences while visiting most of the seaports of the United States and of various other countries. He then decided to abandon sea voyages, and accepted a posi- tion as fireman on the ferry-boat "City of Norfolk," which he filled for a brief time, after which he was advanced to be first mate of the "Chowan," which ran from Norfolk to all the ports of North Carolina. Further promotion followed. and Mr. Wood became captain of the tug "David B. Hill." and served thus very efficiently for one year. Later he was engi- neer on the "Rosalind." which he left only to assume command of the tug "Sally," and did general tugging from Norfolk through the Dismal Swamp Canal. He had the honor of towing the "William Donnelly" and the "Oak- land." the first two schooners towed through that canal. Mr. Wood remained in command

of the "Sally" for three months, and was afterward transferred to the tug "Mutual," as captain, and was engaged in doing local towing in the river .. Some time later he was assigned to his present position as captain of the ferry-steamer "Queen City," which plies between Berkley and Portsmouth, the county- seat of Norfolk County. This command is very satisfactory to Mr. Wood, who by his courteous manner has won the good will of the traveling public. He has made Berkley his home for the past 14 years, and resides at No. 16 Middleton street. Although a member of the Berkley Avenue Baptist Church, he is lib- eral toward all religious denominations, and is known to be extremely charitable to the ex- tent of his means. In political action his sup- port is given to the Prohibition party.

Mr. Woods is a member of Tidewater Lodge, No. 30, Junior Order of American Mechanics; Association No. 101, Marine En- gineers ; and Progressive Harbor, No. 9, As- sociation of Masters & Pilots of Steam Ves- sels of the United States. He has made a good record, and is deservedly popular among his fellow citizens.

HARLES T. BLAND, of Ports- mouth, one of the most prominent public men of Virginia. who has at- tained a high degree of success as an attorney-at-law, journalist and political leader, is serving his fourth term as a member of the General Assembly of Vir- ginia. He was born October 3. 1857, and is a son of George W. and Louisa Frances ( Stew- art ) Bland, his parents being natives of Ports- mouth.

Charles T. Bland was reared at Ports- mouth, and attended the parish school at St. John's Protestant Episcopal Church, and also the public schools. He carried papers at the age of 12 years, and at the age of 14 years be- came a store boy and clerk for R. G. Hume &

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Brother, booksellers and stationers. At the age of 16 years he entered the carriage fac- tory of A. Wren & Sons, of Norfolk, where he served an apprenticeship of five years, and then worked two years as a journeyman. At the age of 20 years and 10 months he was mar- ried and then moved with his wife to Balti- more, Maryland, where he followed his trade, and in the meantime attended the Houck Night School for young men, from which he was graduated. He spent two or three years in Baltimore, Maryland, in North Carolina, and in Richmond, Virginia. He was then for some years a commercial traveler out of New- ark, New Jersey, and New York City, his line being coach and carriage varnishes. He took the civil service examination held under Presi- dent Cleveland, at Baltimore City College, and applied for a position in the postal service. He passed the examination but declined the proffered position. He was a student by na- ture, and while traveling took up the study of law. He subsequently returned to Ports- mouth, Norfolk County, Virginia, and applied himself to newspaper work, as a member of the staff of the Portsmouth Progress, the Portsmouth Star, the Portsmouth Enterprise and the Portsmouth Times at different periods. He was night and sporting editor of the Nor- folk T'irginian, and is now the Portsmouth city editor of the Norfolk Landmark. For several years he was Southern correspondent for the Carriage Monthly, of Philadelphia. He was half-owner and the editor of the Evening Times, published at Portsmouth. During this time and for many years previously it was his custom to devote two hours of each day to study, to which practice, extending over 24 years, he still adheres. He mastered the pro- fession of law and was admitted to the bar by Circuit Judges J. Taylor Berry and Benjamin Gunter. He took up the practice of law in February, 1899, and in September, 1899, was given a certificate from the summer law school of the University of Virginia, signed by Will- iam M. Lile and Raleigh C. Minor, law pro-

fessors, which attested the fact that he had passed a satisfactory examination. He soon etstablished a good practice, and is now in partnership with James B. Hope, Jr., with a magnificent suite of offices on High street, the firm enjoying a large and lucrative practice. He is, as already stated, serving his fourth consecutive term in the General Assembly of Virginia, and in that body occupying an envi- able position, being one of its strongest and most conspicuous members. He is a promi- nent public speaker, both in political and fra- ternal circles. He is general counsel for sev- eral large business concerns, and his advice is frequently sought in matters of importance to the community. His life well illustrates that which may be accomplished, under most adverse circumstances, by perseverance and industry.

Mr. Bland was united in marriage with Josephine Hyselop, a daughter of William T. Hyselop, and they became parents of six chil- dren, the two eldest, Edgar Allen and Charles Raymond, being deceased. Those living are Ethel Maywood; Virginia Louise; William Marshall; and Eularia Frances. They reside at the northwest corner of Dinwiddie and King streets. Mr. Bland is a Democrat in politics. He has always voted in the Second Ward, and has been delegate to all political conventions,-municipal, congressional and gubernatorial. He has always evinced a deep interest in educational matters, and has been active in elevating the public school system, striving at all times to get the largest appro- priations possible for the public schools of the State. He is an active member of the Ports- mouth Business Men's Association, and was the founder of the Portsmouth Dime Savings Bank, whose charter he drew up. He or- ganized the second largest Pythian lodge in the State,-Seaside Lodge, No. 80, and con- ferred the three ranks on 217 members in three weeks, which is the record in Pythianism. He was grand chancellor of the Knights of Pyth- ias of Virginia but resigned August 1, 1900,

VIRGINIUS BUTT.

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after serving half of his term. He still be- longs to the Grand Lodge and is also a meni- ber of the Improved Order of Red Alen; In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows ( of which he is past grand) : Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks: Junior Order of United American Mechanics : Woodmen of the World ; Impr_ved Order of Heptasophs : and Knights of the Mystic Chain. He is staff captain of the First Regiment. Virginia Artillery ; and is first assistant foreman of the Independent Steam Fire Engine Company. No. 1. the largest vol- unteer fire organization in the country. Mr. Bland is a man of estimable character, and has made legions of friends throughout this sec- tion of the State. He is a man in whom every- one places the most absolute confidence, as is evidenced by the overwhelming vote he re- ceives whenever his name is before the public as a candidate.

He is now very prominently mentioned for the office of Congressman, as he was two years ago, when he refused to allow his name to be used in the convention in that connection. His many friends insist that he allow them to show their appreciation of his sterling worth.

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History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900, Part 103

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