History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900, Part 104

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

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IRGINIUS BUTT. deceased. for many years a prominent and valued citizen of Portsmouth, Virginia, was com- missioner of revenue for a period of 18 years, and was pronounced the best official who ever served in that capacity. He was born in Portsmouth September 30, 1848, and was a son of George W. and Eliza- beth A. ( Wood) Butt, both natives of Vir- ginia.

George W. Butt was a carpenter by trade ; and followed that occupation all his life, dy- ing in 1853. His widow is still living and is an honored resident of Portsmouth. She has passed the 75th milestone in the journey of life. He was a member of the Court Street Baptist Church. Four children blessed their

union, as follows : Ellis .A., a resident of Portsmouth, who is chief clerk in the Navy Yard : Shelton L., who resides at Atlantic City, New Jersey; Virginius: and Otis, who died in infancy.

Virginius Butt attended school in Ports- mouth, after which he learned the trade of a carpenter. He was engaged as a contractor and builder, under his own name, and built many fine residences and buildings in Ports- mouth. He went to work in the United States Navy Yard and was elected commissioner of revenue in 1880. His services were such that he was re-elected upon the expiration of his term, and was re-elected each succeeding term for a period of 18 years. He served in that office until his death, November II. 1898, at the age of 50 years. He was considered one of the solid business men of the city, and was everywhere held in the highest esteem. During the "seventies" he served as a member of the City Council. Fraternally he was a member of Atlantic Lodge, No. 24. K. of P., of which he was keeper of the seal for 26 years: A. F. & A. M .: I. O. R. M .; and Roval Arcanum. Ile was a Democrat in politics and took a deep interest in local affairs.

May 11. 1870. Mr. Butt was joined in marriage with Sallie F. Grimes, a native of Portsmouth, and a daughter of Herbert and Frances ( Meiggs ) Grimes, both her parents being dead. Her father was a farmer for years but was working in the Navy Yard when he contracted the yellow fever, in 1855. which re- sulted in his death. Mrs. Grimes was after- ward married to Richard Drake, and the sur- viving offspring of her second union are Varina and Adrienne. She died in May, 1899. at the age of 67 years. Mr. and Mrs. Grimes were members of the Court Street Baptist Church. Mr. and Mrs. Butt became the parents of three children. Lela E .. Sadie H. and Virginius, Jr. Lela E. is the wife of William W. Perkins, by whom she has one daughter. Sallie Virginia. Mrs. Butt is a member of the Court Street Bap- tist Church, whilst the children belong to Mon-

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umental Methodist Episcopal Church, South. of Portsmouth. A portrait of the subject of - this sketch appears on a preceding page.

ILLIAM E. WARREN, the ac- commodating commander of the steamer "Virginia," running be- tween Newport News and Nor- folk, has been in the employ of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway Company for the past 19 years. He first served as mate for some time. until he was advanced to his pres- ent postion as master, and has held the latter position for the past 14 years. William E. Warren was born January 9. 1856, in Rich- mond. Virginia, and is a son of Elijah E. and Amanda ( Quarles) Warren.

Elijah E. Warren as born in Massachit- setts, and after obtaining his scholastic train- ing adopted the occupation of a bookkeeper. He was united in marriage with Amanda Quarles, a native of Richmond, Virginia, and they had six children, of whom three survive, namely: Charles H., who is a prosperous druggist in Richmond : William E., the subject hereof: and John A., who is engaged in the printing business at Richmond. Mr. Warren was a decided Democrat in his political opin- ions, and was at one time assistant city treas- urer of Richmond. He and his worthy wife were both devoted members of the Protestant Episcopal Church during their lives, and were ever faithful to their religious vows. In 1880 Mr. Warren died, at the age of 75 years, and his wife survived him for six years, and died at the age of 65 years. In fraternal circles Mr. Warren was considered a prominent member of the Masonic order.

William E. Warren attended the public schools at Richmond. After the close of his school days he went to sea, and made two voy- ages to South America as cabin boy. On his re- turn he worked on the coasting vessels plying between Richmond, Norfolk Philadelphia and

New York, and learned much that helped him during later years. His next position was on a tug-boat on Chesapeake Bay and the James River, where he held the position of mate, and later was promoted to be master. Soon after- ward he entered the employ of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway Company, as mate, and later became master, which latter position he still holds on the steamer "Virginia."

Mr. Warren was united in marriage, Oc- tober 25. 1898, with Annie Higgins, who was born in Richmond, Virginia, in 1876, a daugh- ter of William H. and Jeannette Higgins. They have two children,-William H., born in 1899, and Mabel Louise, born August 22, 1901. Mr. and Mrs. Warren are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Fra- ternally, Mr. Warren is a member of the Elks, Norfolk Lodge, Nc. 38, B. P. O. E. He is esteemed and respected as a representative citizen.

APT. WILLIAM E. LUCKETT. who is in command of the steamer "Washington," running between Norfolk and Washington, D. C., is one of the most able seamen who has charge of a vessel between those two ports. He was born in Washington, D. C., December 29, 1854, and is a son of Francis and Jane (Dove) Luckett. He comes of a patriotic family, both of his grandfathers having served in the War of 1812.

Francis Luckett, the father of William E., was born in Washington, D. C., and was also a master mariner. He died at the age of 52 years. His wife, a native of Virginia, still survives him, and is making her home in Washington, D. C. Eleven children were born to this couple, five of whom still survive. They are John F .; Francis M .; William E .; Miranda; and Jane.

Capt. William E. Luckett, grew to man- hocd in Washington, D. C., where he received his education. When 13 years old he went on

CAPT. JOHN F. CASON.

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one of his father's sailing vessels and in 1879 became a licensed pilot, although he had been a pilot two years previous to that time. The first steamer of which he was given command was the "Excelsior." which belonged to the Potomac Company. He was given command of the "Newport News," of which he was cap- tain until transferred to the captainship of the steamer "Washington." This vessel is one of the most modern, up-to-date steamers plying between Washington and Norfolk. Captain Luckett was given charge of that steamer April 16, 1901. He has been in his present employ for the past eight years, and has never had a complaint made against him, nor has he been brought before the harbor master for any mismanagement. His record is a clean one, worthy of the highest praise. He is held in high esteem by all who have aught to do with him, and is a man of honor and fine character.

Captain Luckett married Blanche G. Ad- ams, of Washington, D. C .. and they make their home at No. 1009 5th street, southeast, in that city. The Captain is a member of An- drew Jackson Lodge, No. 120, A. F. & A. M., of Alexandria, Virginia; Mount Vernon Chapter, No. 14, R. A. M .; Old Dominion Guard, No. 1I, K. T .; Lodge No. 4, Order of the Eastern Star, of Washington, D. C .; and Harbor No. 31, Association of Masters & Pilots of Steam Vessels of the United States.

APT. JOIIN F. CASON, who is in command of the steamer "Pennsyl- vania," of Philadelphia, was born in Norfolk County. Virginia, and is a son of Frederick and Margaret (Wallace) Cason, both natives of Virginia. The father was a farmer by occupation, and died in 1866. being survived by his wife, who lives at Brambleton. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.

Captain Cason was five years of age when his father died. He attended the public and

pay schools of Norfolk County, and after leav- ing school went into the employ of the Alber- marle & Chesapeake Canal Company at Great Bridge and remained in that connection for two years. He then went aboard the steamer "Lynnhaven," as deck-hand, running between Norfolk and North Carolina ports. After con- tinuing as such for a period of six or eight months he went, as mate, on board the steamer "Hygeia," running between Elizabeth City, North Carolina, and Fairfield. North Carolina, and carrying mail. Two years later he com- menced as pilot on the steamer "Lizzie May," used in building the Norfolk & Southern Rail- road. After spending six months in that ca- pacity, Captain Cason became mate on the steamer "Carrie," making the same ports as the "Hygeia." The vessel broke down and he came to Norfolk on board the tug "Nettie," owned by the wrecker, James Cole. He con- tinued as mate on this tug for two years, and then became its captain. He was subsequently captain on the tug "Gates," owned by Joseph Baker. and also on the "Mollie Wentz," and others. He was next captain of the "Belle of Virginia," belonging to Mr. Wimple, and was engaged in towing between Murfreesboro and Norfolk. He continued thus for one year, and then became captain of the tug "Norfolk." belonging to the New York & Pennsylvania Railroad Company. Subsequently he was cap- tain of the tugs "Portsmouth" and "Philadel- phia." After the lapse of six years he went on the steamer "New York." as mate, and in a short time was advanced to be captain. He was afterward on the steamer "Cape Charles," of the same line, until she was burned. In March, 1899. he assumed command of the "Pennsylvania," which runs between Cape Charles and Norfolk.

Captain Cason was united in marriage, in 1884, with Bettie D. Tatem. a daughter of Joseph and Jane ( Sparrow ) Tatem. She was born in Norfolk County, Virginia, in 1862, and died March 19. 1895. They became the par- ents of six children, of whom four are now

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living, namely: Alexander W .; Bettie T .; Jennie S .; and Clyde G. Religiously the cap- tain is a member of St. Paul's Protestant Epis- copal Church, of Berkley. In politics he is a stanch supporter of the principles of Democra- cy. He has had a life of stirring activity and has met with many interesting adventures on the water. A man of strong personality, he has the good will and respect of everyone with whom he comes in contact. A portrait of Captain Cason accompanies this sketch of his life.

EANDER T. BLICK, one of Norfolk's oldest contractors and builders, who has been engaged in that business in Norfolk County for over 50 years, was born in Petersburg, Virginia, in 1829. He is a son of Thomas Blick, who served in the War of 1812, and spent most of his life as a civilian in Petersburg.

Leander T. Blick, whose name opens these lines, was reared and schooled in Petersburg. He served an apprenticeship at house building and general carpentry, and in the fall of 1850 came to Norfolk, where he worked at his trade until 1855. He then began general contract- ing, the first two houses which he erected being on Church street, between Main and Water streets, for Louis Salisbury. His first partner in business was John Edmonds, but the firm soon became known as Blick & Jakeman, Mr. Jakeman having become a partner in the busi- ness. This firm continued unchanged for 25 .years. When Mr. Jakeman died Mr. Blick took his son into partnership. He has worked mostly on residences, and some of the best homes in Ghent and Norfolk have been erected by him. He has also built many of the large stores and warehouses in Norfolk. He has a thorough knowledge of contracting and build- ing, and his many years of experience prove, his ability to compete with newer firms. Al- though Mr. Blick is represented in the firm and looks after the business, his son takes most

of the active charge of the business, and is one of the most prominent business men of the city.

Mr. Blick married Amanda Belote, a daughter of James L. Belote, of Norfolk. She died in 1875, and of eight children born to this union, those living are as follows: Alice, wife of Walter H. Barnes, of Goldsboro, North Car- olina ; James Thomas, who is engaged in busi- ness with his father; Charles F .. who is a wholesale and retail grocer, of Portsmouth ; and Lillie Irene.

Mr. Blick served 12 months in the Con- federate War, being stationed in the Navy Yard at Portsmouth. He has served as a mem- ber of the City Council of Norfolk, and is a member of the Board of Trade and Business Men's Association of Norfolk. He has always been an active member of the I. O. O. F., serv- ing in all the offices of the local lodge and in the Grand Lodge of the State. He has never drawn benefits from this lodge. Mr. Blick is one of the best known of the older citizens of Norfolk County, and is a man of charitable deeds, and a kind and generous nature.

OSEPH C. PRINCE, who holds the re- sponsible position of superintendent of the warehouses of the Norfolk Ware- house Association, has been engaged in the cotton business all his life. He was born in Norfolk, Virginia, December 29, 1866. and is a son of Michael and Margaret Prince.

Joseph C. Prince attended the schools of Norfolk, where he grew to manhood. When he was a mere bov he began work in the cot- ton warehouses at Norfolk, and has filled every position in that business. The cotton industry is one of the leading industries of Norfolk. and Mr. Prince has charge of all the cotton which comes into the warehouses of the Nor- folk Warehouse Association. He fills the po- sition of superintendent with great acceptabil- ity, and is fully qualified to hold any position

GEORGE A. ,BEW.

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in the cotton business. He has a thorough knowledge of the industry, and too much credit cannot be given him for the manner in which he takes charge of the cotton which comes into Norfolk. He is also superintendent of a large ice plant, which is a part of the Norfolk warehouse system, and of a mill for grinding plaster rock used for fertilizing. Attention is paid to the two last-mentioned industries in the summer, when the cotton trade is slack.

Mr. Prince is a member of the Common Council of Norfolk, and has also served as a member of the Select Council for three terms, having been elected on the straight Democratic ticket. He never sought political preferment and only accepted this office at the earnest solicitation of his friends. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum and Elk lodges.

EORGE A. BEW, State Pilot for the State of Virginia, whose portrait ac- companies this mention, resides at Norfolk, and is an experienced navi- gator and pilot, whose equal is rarely met with by reason of his broad experience in that line of work. Mr. Bew is a native of Nor- folk, where his birth took place February 2. 1872, and his early mental training was ob- tained from the public schools of that city. In 1889 he began the life of a seaman, doing his first work in a pilot boat. After serving a five years' apprenticeship under the Virginia Pilots' Association Mr. Bew was granted a license in 1894, as a Virginia State Pilot. Af- ter receiving his license he served on "Phan- tom No. 5." "William Starkey No. 2." and "William A. Graves No. 6." all pilot boats. . \t the present time he is serving as active pilot. either on the "Relief" or the "William .1. Graves." the inner vessel.

The duties of a pilot are very important. as upon the pilots alone depends the safety of the vessel and all its passengers. It is the duty of these pilots to cruise at sea and meet

all foreign steamers, steering them through dangerous places to Norfolk, Newport News and Hampton Roads. The United States Nav- igation Laws requires one pilot to be at the out-harbor constantly, which accounts for the outgoing and incoming pilot boats.

Mr. Bew is a son of Thomas J. and Cor- delia ( Sexton) Bew. His father is a boat- builder by trade and resides in Norfolk. being a prominent member of the Epworth League. of that city. His mother is an Episcopalian and is an active member of Christ Protestant Episcopal Church. Eight children were born to them. of whom four only are now among the living. They are: John W. and Charles D., both of whom are clerks in mercantile es- tablishments in Norfolk : Nellie B., who mar- ried Capt. James G. Peake, a member of the Virginia Pilots' Association; and George .... the subject of this brief narrative. Like his mother, Mr. Bew is an Episcopalian. Fratern- ally he is a Mason of high degree, holding membership in Norfolk Lodge. No. I. A. F. & A. M. : Norfolk United Chapter, No. I. R. A. M .: and Commandery, No. 16, K. T., of Norfolk; and of Acca Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Richmond, Virginia. He also affili- ates with Norfolk Lodge. No. 32, I. O. O. F .. and Minerva ribe, No. 100, I. O. R. M. In politics he favors the Democratic party, but has never been prevailed upon to accept office. He is, however, filling his place as a good citi- zen of Norfolk and is esteemed by his many acquaintances.

APT. CHARLES H. JOHNSON. who holds the responsible position of harbor master at Norfolk, Vir- ginia, is a son of Capt. William Y. Johnson, and was born in Balti- more. Maryland, November 17. 1855.

Capt. William Y. Johnson was one of the best-known men of Norfolk. He was born in Dauphin County. Pennsylvania. He received

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HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY

his preliminary education in the schools of his native county, after which he began work on a railroad in the neighborhood where he was raised. In 1868 he left his native State and removed to Virginia, first locating at Ports- mouth. In 1881 he settled in Norfolk, where he continued in the line of business which he entered upon coming South. He was inspector of steamboats at Norfolk for many years, and was otherwise interested in marine service. In 1885 he was selected as one of Norfolk's rep- resentatives in the Virginia House of Dele- gates, where he served for two sessions. He was for a number of years a member of the City Councils. In 1894 he was appointed in- spector of hulls of steam vessels, a position which is under the civil service rules. His rec- ord in that position could not have been better, and he performed his duties with faithfulness until the time of his death, which occurred in Norfolk, October 5. 1901. His wife, Huldah M. Johnson, who was born in Maryland, is still living at her home in Norfolk. Their family consisted of four children, namely : Charles H .: Wood P .; Hattie H .; and Por- ter Y. Capt. William Y. Johnson was a genial and courteous gentleman, greatly beloved by all, and his death was deeply felt in the com- munity. He had served his county and State with distinction, and the place he occupied will not be easily filled.

Capt. Charles H. Johnson, the subject of this biography, came to Norfolk when he was a mere boy. There he was schooled, and at the age of 14 years began his life as a mariner. He first served as clerk on one of his father's vessels, and filled various positions up to those of pilot and master. His first command was that of the "Harbinger," of which vessel he took charge in 1878. He continued in steam- boat service until 1897, when he was appointed to his present position of harbor master. Each day finds him at his post of duty, discharging his duties in a faithful and conscientious man- ner. He is a man of honor and integrity, and possesses a pleasing personality. Captain

Johnson is a member of the Association of Masters & Pilots of Steam Vessels of the United States.

h ON. D. TUCKER BROOKE, attorney- at-law and ex-judge, stands at the head of his profession in Norfolk, Norfolk County, Virginia. He was born in Richmond, Virginia, April 28, 1852, and comes of a long line of distin- guished ancestors, many of whom resided in Richmond. He is a son of Hon. Henry L. Brooke. grandson of Hon. John T. Brooke and great-nephew of Robert Brooke, who was gov- ernor of Virginia in 1794.

Hon. John T. Brooke was a leading lawyer of his day. He had a brother, Francis T., who was also an attorney and judge, and another brother. Dr. Lawrence Brooke.

Hon. Henry L. Brooke was Common- wealth's attorney of Richmond for several years. He married Virginia Tucker, a sister of Hon. John Randolph Tucker, of Richmond.

Hon. D. Tucker Brooke attended private schools in his native city, and then completed an academic course at the school of Virginius Dabney, at Middleburg, Virginia. He took a course of one year in the University of Vir- ginia, after which he taught public and private schools for a period of nine years. July II, 1873, he entered the law office of Hon. Taze- well Taylor, where he thoroughly digested Blackstone, and was admitted to practice law in October. 1874. He then opened an office with George McIntosh under the firm name of McIntosh & Brooke, which continned until 1879. Mr. Brooke then continued alone until Tune, ISSo, when a partnership was formed with Thomas R. Borland. In February, 1884, the subject of this sketch was elected by the legislature to fill an unexpired term of Judge Godwin, as judge of the Corporation Court. He served in a most creditable manner, and was re-elected by the legislature for a term

MATT. M. TUNIS.

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of six years, ending in 1895. He then re- turned to the practice of his profession in Nor- folk, where he enjoys a very large clientage. His ability as a counsellor and advocate are well known, and as a citizen, who has every interest of the city at heart, he ranks equally high. June 12, 1901, Mr. Brooke took his seat in the Constitutional Convention at Ricli- mond.

Judge Brooke was joined in marriage with Lucy B. Higgins, a daughter of Ignatius Hig- gins of Norfolk. and they became parents of six children. as follows : Lucy D .; Eloise MI .; Henry Lawrence; Mary Walton; Lena Ran- dolph ; and Marguerita Custis.

ATT M. TUNIS, a prominent rep- resentative of the younger element of the legal profession of Norfolk, Virginia, whose portrait is here- with shown. has displayed excep- tional ability in his chosen vocation, and al- ready commands a lucrative practice. He was born in Talbot County, Maryland. in 1873. and is a son of Theophilus Tunis, who is presi- dent of the Tunis Lumber Company, and was formerly a State Senator from his county.

Matt M. Tunis obtained an educational training at Geogretown College and in the University of Virginia, where he pursued the study of law, and was graduated in 1895. He was admitted to the bar of Virginia in July, 1895, and immediately thereafter located at Norfolk. He devoted himself entirely to his profession, and very shortly had a large client- age, which has steadily increased. In 1899 he formed a partnership with Richard B. Taylor, under the firm name of Tunis & Taylor, and they have comfortable and commodious offices in the Taylor Building. He has a large gen- eral practice and is secretary, treasurer and attorney for the South Norfolk Company, a concern organized for the improvement of a large tract of land in Berkley, and which, in the course of time, will become one of Nor-

folk's greatest projects. He is also attorney for the Tunis Lumber Company, and vice- president of the Virginia Sawmill Company, of which he was one of the organizers.

Mr. Tunis has recently moved to Norfolk County. He is enthusiastic in his support of the straightout Democratic party and one of its leaders.

He is a gentleman of fine physique, fond of athletic sports, and is a member of the New Boat Club. He possesses many pleasing traits of character. and numbers his friends by his ar- quaintances.

EORGE LEMUEL NEVILLE, an ex- tensive lumber and hardware dealer of Portsmouth. Norfolk County. Vir- ginia, was born in that city, January S. 1836. He is a son of Willis and Margaret (Hays) Neville. The Neville fam- ily originally came from England, and its de- scendants are now in possession of a coat of arms which dates back to 1066.

Willis Neville was born in Norfolk Coun- ty. December 28. 1812, and was a son of Willis. George L. Neville's mother, Margaret (Hays) Neville, was a daughter of Lemuel Hays, and a native of Norfolk County. She died in 1875, aged 71 years ; Mr. Neville died in 1883. They'reared five children, namely : William Allen, who is living in Portsmouth ; George Lemuel, the subject of this sketch ; Eliz- abeth Frances, the widow of Samuel S. Peed, who was engaged in the mercantile business in Norfolk for many years, and who died in 1895: Wi.lis Henry, who died in Portsmouth, in 1883; and Robert Pullen. Willis Henry Neville's wife and family recently removed- to Texas; he left four sons and one daughter, namely: George Wilder; Frank L .: Willis Cushing ; Edward L. : Ruth Lane : and Wendell Cushing. George Wilder Neville is a member of the firm of Weld, Neville & Company, cot- ton dealers of Houston, Texas. They carry on an immense business, having branch offices

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History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900, Part 104

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