History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900, Part 105

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 105

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HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY

in New York, Liverpool and other large cities. Frank L. and Willis Cushing Neville are also engaged in the cotton business. Wendell Cushing Neville is a captain in the marine service. He had the honor to be one of the first to land in Cuba, and was also a member of the first party to enter Pekin, China. He is now in the Philippines, serving as governor of Isabela Island. Robert Pullen Neville, brother of our subject, is a warrant officer in the United States Navy, and is a resident of Portsmouth.

George Lemuel Neville, the subject of this sketch, attended the common schools of Ports- mouth. At the age of 15 years he left school to begin work as a clerk in the wholesale gro- cery store of Keeling & Pratt. He remained with that firm for some time, and next went into the lumber business as clerk for George W. Peete. Later he worked for R. J. Neely until the outbreak of the Confederate War. He ran the blockade to Richmond, where he en- tered the Confederate Army, and served as bookkeeper in the treasury department. Being a fine bookkeeper and splendid accountant, he was kept there, mainly performing that line of duties until the evacuation of Richmond. He returned home to be married, but was ob- liged to leave his young wife and return to Richmond, as that city was threatened. He saw active service for a while, and worked in the trenches, where his hand was blistered. He applied for a furlough, which was not granted at once, although it was approved later, and then lie returned to his home in Portsmouth.

In Portsmouth Mr. Neville engaged in the lumber business, and later on also took up the hardware business with James M. Butt, the firm being Butt & Neville. It was established in 1877, and continued until the death of Mr. Butt. Mr. Neville then conducted the business alone for some time. and four years ago Will- iam L. Grubb was admitted as a partner. They do a large business annually, and are well known in Norfolk County. Mr. Neville is a fine business man, and has met with much suc- cess in his career.

He was married to Sarah Ellen Newman, December 28, 1864. She was born in Isle of Wight County, and is a daughter of John and Sarah (Norsworthy) Newman, who were both natives of that county. Mr. Neville and his wife reared seven children, namely: Nellie Newman ; Sallie Newman ; Rosa Newman, de- ceased : Georgia Lee, who married Walter H. Dey. of Norfolk; Mary Marvin, deceased ; George L., Jr., who is at home; and Joseph Hugh, who is teaching school at Capron, Southhampton County, Virginia.

Mr. Neville was elected sergeant of the city of Portsmouth soon after the close of the war, and remained in that capacity until displaced during the reconstruction period. Fraternally, he is a member of the I. O. O. F., having joined that organization over 40 years ago. He is also a member of the Royal Arcanum. He is a member of the board of trustees and treas- urer of the Portsmouth Orphan Asylum; a member of the board of directors of the Mer- chants' & Farmers' Bank, and also of the Bank of Portsmouth. He is a director in the Bay- Shore Terminal Company, which has its main office in Norfolk: and is vice-president and a meniber of the board of directors of the Con- solidated Turnpike Company.

Religiously, Mr. Neville is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, of Ports- mouth. No public enterprise is complete with- out his assistance, which he has always given most cheerfully. He is one of the most enter- prising and progressive citizens of Portsmouth, and is held in high esteem by all who know him or come in contact with him.

T. EASTWOOD, one of the ris- ing young attorneys of Ports- mouth, Norfolk County, Virginia, is a native of that city, and a son of M. D. Eastwood. M. D. East- wood has been a resident of Portsmouth for the past 45 years, and is one of that city's prom- inent and influential citizens.

GEORGE H. H. WOODHOUSE.

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W. T. Eastwood received his primary ed- ucation in the schools of Portsmouth. and later took an academic course of two years at Will- iam and Mary College. In 1900 he entered the University of Virginia and pursued a course of law in that institution, where he graduated in June, 1901. He at once began the general practice of his profession in Ports- mouth. opening an office in the Commercial Building. He has won recognition in legal cir- cles as a lawyer of much natural ability. He possesses a sound judgment, and is conscien- tious and thorough in all his undertakings. He has a large practice, which is steadily increas- ing, and to which he gives his entire attention.

Mr. Eastwood was one of the original com- mittee. composed of three members, to draw up the charter for the organization of the Portsmouth Business Men's Association. He resides with his parents at No. 308 North street. The family are members of the Prot- estant Episcopal Church.

EORGE H. H. WOODHOUSE. who has rendered valuable service to the city of Norfolk as clerk of the City Market, is a veteran of the Confed- erate War. He was born near Nim- mo's Church. in Princess Anne County, Vir- ginia, July 3. 1840, and comes of an early and honored family of that county. He is a son of John Franklin Woodhouse, and grandson of Josiah Woodhouse, both of whom were born in Princess Anne County. Both followed agricultural pursuits.

John Franklin Woodhouse married Nancy May, and both died when the subject of this sketch was young, the father, at the age of 56 years, and the mother at the age of 48 years. They were the parents of nine children, as fol- lows : Josiah : Ann Eliza ; John Thomas : Will- iam : Elizabeth : Solomon ; Henrietta ; a daugh- ter who died in infancy : and George H. H.

George H. H. Woodhouse, being left an

orphan in childhood, had to do the best he could to earn a living. He attended school when the opportunity was presented, and in the meantime engaged in farming. He mar- ried Maria J. Harrison, a daughter of George W. Harrison, and the union proved a happy, one. Hand in hand they fought adversity, working and saving, and when their circum- stances became better Mr. Woodhouse had the misfortune to lose his beloved wife in her 21st year. They had one son, Arnold James, who died at the age of 30 years. When the Con- federate War broke out, Mr. Woodhouse was one of the first to enlist. to fight for the cause of the South. He joined Company F. 6th Regiment. Virginia Infantry, known at the time as the Seaboard Rifles. He was a brave and gallant soldier. and always performed his full share of duty, and more. In the battle of Malvern Hill he was shot in the left arm, and it became necessary to amputate that member at the shoulder. As soon as he was able hereturned to his company to do what service he could and fought until Lee's surrender. After the war he returned to farming and raised a general line of produce. He purchased oyster beds and oyster boats, and engaged in shipping oysters and fish, in addition to supplying them for the home market. He carried on this business un- til 1898, when he practically retired and moved to Norfolk, although he still owns his farm and his oyster interests.

In July, 1900, the citizens of Norfolk chose Mr. Woodhouse as clerk of the City Market. to succeed Abe Moses. The Norfolk City Market was begun in the early days of the city and was located on Commercial Place for many years. In 1890 the present location was chosen, it being back-water ground of the Eliz- abeth River. It was filled in, piles were driven and a brick building was erected. which was opened for trade in October. 1893. The meat market consists of about 25 stalls, and there may be obtained the best of the home product and that of the great West. Fruit, vegeta- bles. game and fish stands. to the number of

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HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY.

60, are stocked with the best of the season's produce, and the market as a whole is unex- c'elled anywhere in the South. The old ordin- ance required that all markets should close at 12 o'clock noon, except Saturday, but Mr. Woodhouse was instrumental in the repeal of that ordinance, and they are now allowed to keep open all day. It is his duty to see that the market is kept clean and that the people are properly dealt with, and in this he has dis- charged his duty to the entire satisfaction of every one, being ably assisted in his work by Deputy Clerk J. Glover.

Mr. Woodhouse formed a second matri- monial alliance, wedding Georgianna B. Ewell, a daughter of Solomon Ewell. This union has resulted in no issue, but Mr. and Mrs. Woodhouse have reared several children, giv- ing them the affection and advantages which they would confer upon children of their own. Mr. Woodhouse is a member of the Improved Order of Red Men: Pickett-Buchanan Camp, Confederate Veterans; the Elks; I. O. O. F .; K. of P .; and the Eagles. A portrait of Mr. Woodhouse is shown on a preceding page.

A LEXANDER B. BUTT, a prominent business man of Portsmouth, Nor- folk County, Virginia, is cashier of the People's Bank of Portsmouth. It is one of the leading banks of the community, and was organized in 1893, with John H. Hume as president, and Mr. Butt as cashier. Upon the death of Mr. Hume, Frank- lin D. Gill, the present incumbent, was elected president. Its directory consists of many prominent business men, whose names are a warrant of the bank's stability. They are James F. Crocker, Charles R. Nash, C. T. Phil- lips. C. L. Culpepper, M. D. Eastwood, John T. King, Cornelius Thomas, Charles A. Mc- Lean and Franklin D. Gill. They have a paid- up capital stock of $50,000, and do a general banking and deposit business. They first

started out, west of their present location, on High street, but at that time bought the pres- ent building at the corner of High and Craw- ford streets, and later remodeled the build- ing. It is a substantial three-story structure, constructed of brick and stone, the first floor being devoted to banking purposes and espe- cially to facilitate that work, and the upper Hoors being given up to office use.

Mr. Butt was born in Portsmouth and is a son of Dr. H. F. Butt, also a native of Portsmouth, and at the time of his death the oldest practicing physician there. Mr. Butt's mother is still living, and he has three broth- ers and three sisters, all living in Portsmouth.

Mr. Butt has had for his age an extensive experience in the banking business. He began at the bottom, in the Bank of Commerce, in Norfolk, and continued in different positions with that bank for a period of 10 years ; since 1893 he has occupied his present position. He also has many other business interests, being secretary and treasurer of the Portsmouth Knittinig Mills, of which Mr. Gill is president : a director of the Portsmouth Star; and Ist vice-president of the new Business Men's As- sociation of Portsmouth. He is a member and officer of several different insurance organiza- tions.

Mr. Butt was joined in marriage with Miss Nimmo, and they have four children. For years he has been a member of Trinity Protest- ant Episcopal Church, of which he is a vestry .. man and treasurer.

5 UGH JOHNSTON, who is editor of the Norfolk County Democrat, which is published in Berkley, Norfolk County, Virginia, was born in Edge- combe County, North Carolina, No- vember 15, 1875. He is a son of George WV. and Laura Johnston.

George W. Johnston was born in North Carolina. He is now engaged in farming in

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Sussex County, Virginia, and is well and fa- vorably known in that community. He served as justice of the peace for a number of years. He is now 50 years old, and his wife is 48 years of age. They are members of the Bap- tist Church, in which Mr. Johnston is an of- ficer. Of nine children born to this couple, the subject of this sketch is the eldest.

Hugh Johnston received his early mental training in private schools of North Carolina, in the public schools of Virginia. and at Churchland Academy in Norfolk County. Later he attended Richmond College. He afterward taught in the public schools of Nor- folk County for four years. He began to work for the Vorfolk County Democrat, in September, 1901, having assisted in the or- ganization of that paper. It is conducted by a stock company, and has started with very good prospects. It advocates the principles of the Democratic party, and has met with a good measure of success.

Mr. Johnston takes an active interest in politics, and is one of the most enterprising citizens of Berkley, where he is held in high esteem by all who come in contact with him.

HARLES JAMES WOODSEND. a member of the Business Men's Asso- ciation of Berkley, Virginia, is an architect and builder of that town, and an expert artisan. He has been a resident of Norfolk County for the past 14 years, and has spent 12 years of his life in the United States Navy Yard. Mr. Woodsend is of English nativity and was born in London in September, 1847.

In the year 1868 he came from England to the United States and was located in Boston for a short time. Thence he went to Ontario. Canada, and from there to Northern Michigan. where he resided until 1887. Then he left Michigan and came to Norfolk County, Vir- ginia. Norfolk City was his home for the

next five years, when he moved to Berkley. and has been numbered among that town's resi- dents ever since.

In 1869 Mr. Woodsend was united in mar- riage with Maria E. Toman, who was born in 1847, at Preston, Canada. They have one child, Edward, who was born in 1870, and who married Carrie C. Vrooman : he is a member of the Jefferson Pie Company. of Norfolk. Mrs. Charles J. Woodsend is a member of the M. F. Church, South. The subject of this sketch is a Mason, and a member of Canadian Order of Foresters.

Mr. Woodsend is a shrewd business man and a successful manager, and has accumu- lated a comfortable competency. He is re- garded as one of the progressive men of his section of the county, and stands high in the estimation of the public. He is a man of high principles, honest and straightforward. and numbers his friends by the score.

H. BRITTINGHAM, a contractor and builder of Portsmouth, Nor- folk County, Virginia, was born on Deep Creek Road, three miles from Portsmouth, in November, 1836. He is a son of William P .. and grand- son of Micajah Brittingham.

Micajah Brittingham, the grandfather of \V. H., was a cooper by trade, and also farmed during his life. He served in the War of 1812. William P. Brittingham, his son, was born in Maryland, July 4. 1806, and was but five years old when his parents removed to Norfolk County, Virginia. He bought a farm adjoining his father's, three miles from Ports- mouth. He married Martha Smith, who was born in Norfolk County. William P. Britting- ham served as deputy sheriff under Mr. Man- ning, during his early years, and then accepted a position with the Norfolk County Ferries. where he continued until his death. in 1855- He died from yellow fever, at the age of 50 years. W. H. Brittingham has one sister liv-

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HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY

ing .- Elizabeth,-who married O. H. Ed- wards, and resides in Portsmouth.

W. H. Brittingham, whose name opens these lines, attended the county schools one year, and later went to Prof. N. B. Webster's school in Portsmouth. He left school at the age of 15 years, and was apprenticed to Jolin P. Minter, to learn the trade of a house car- penter. When his father died ( his mother having previously passed away). he took charge of the family, which consisted of nine children,-a very large undertaking for a young man just starting out in life. He worked in the Gosport Navy Yard until the outbreak of the Confed- erate War, when he enlisted in the old Ports- mouth Rifle Company, which was organized in 1792. It became known as Company G, 9th Regiment. Virginia Infantry, Armistead's Bri- gade. Pickett's Division. He took part in the battles of Malvern Hill and Gettysburg, and was slightly wounded in the latter. He was in all the battles in which his regiment partici- pated during the closing days of the war. He was captured at Sailor's Creek three days be- fore the surrender, and was confined at Point Lookout, leaving there on the last special re- lease.

After the war, Mr. Brittingham returned to Portsmouth, where he again took up his trade. In 1873 he began contracting for him- self, and has followed that line of business ever since. He employs a . large number of men to assist him. He built the Market, Kirn Building and many houses in Norfolk. His work is of a very high order, and he is well known in Norfolk County. He lends his as- sistance to any public enterprise which is un- dertaken for the advancement of Portsmouth. and is one of that city's most influential citi- zens.

Mr. Brittingham married Miss S. W. Brickhouse, who was born on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, near Accomac. They have six children, namely : Mary B., who is teach- ing school in Portsmouth ; Martha P., a teacher

of Norfolk County ; William V .. a bookkeeper and plumber; Philip B., who clerks for Mr. Barlow ; Smith R., a law student ; and Edith B., who is at school.

Mr. Brittingham is a Democrat in politics. He was formerly a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Order of Chosen Friends. He is a member of the Monumental Methodist Episcopal Church, South, being steward of that church, and one of its active workers. He has a host of friends in Portsmouth, who honor him for his many good traits of character.

R D. CUTHERELL. one of the old residents of Portsmouth. Norfolk County, Virginia, and a ship-joiner in the United States Navy Yard in that city, was born in Portsmouth in 1831. He is a son of Samuel Cutherell, and grand- son of Samuel Cutherell.

The Cutherell family located in Great Bridge in 1625, and were the first Methodists in Tidewater Virginia. Preaching was carried on in R. D. Cutherell's great-grandfather's family for over 40 years, and it was this great- grandfather who donated the land on which the Cutherell Meeting House was erected in 1770. The Cutherell family in those days often entertained as many as 40 people. at one time. in their home. When the British passed through Norfolk County, Mr. Cutherell buried all of his valuables in a field. He was obliged to feed the soldiers, and in return was most shamefully abused.

Samuel Cutherell, the grandfather of R. D., was born in Portsmouth. He was commis- sioner of revenue and collector of taxes for many years. He served in the War of 1812, helping to defend Craney Island.

Samuel Cutherell, the father of the subject of this sketch, was also born in Portsmouth. He was a contractor and builder during most of his active life. For many years he was secretary of the Chambers Hook and Ladder

ALBERT JASON WHITEHURST.

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Company of Portsmouth, then known as the Resolute Fire Company. He married Mary Virginia Stanhope, a daughter of William Stanhope, of Norfolk City. William Stanhope was a lieutenant of a cavalry company from Norfolk during the War of 1812. He manu- factured hats, and later in life moved to the West, and for some time conducted a large fur-warehouse in Missouri. This warehouse was destroyed by the Indians. He then re- turned to Norfolk, where he died. and was buried in St. Paul's Chuchyard. His mother was, at the time of her death, the oldest resi- (lent of Norfolk. Dr. Crawford Toy, a pro- fessor of languages at Cambridge University. and a very eminent man, is one of her de- scendants.

R. D. Cutherell. the subject of this sketch. was reared and schooled in Portsmouth, where he was apprenticed as a house-builder, under W. G. Butler. His contract with that gentle- man ended in 1851. He then conducted that business alone for a number of years, and when the Confederate War broke out he was detailed to work on war vessels, among them being the "Merrimac" (C. S. S. "Virginia"). After the close of the war he carried on contracting un- til 1886, when ne entered the United States Navy Yard at Portsmouth as a ship-joiner. He is a splendid workman, and much confi- dence in his ability is felt by his employers and those beneath him in grade.

Mr. Cutherell married Mary F. Simmons. a daughter of Andrew Simmons, who was principal of the public schools of Portsmouth for some time. Mrs. Cutherell also taught school for a while. She died in 1888, aged 58 years. Of eight children born to this couple, five are now living. namely : Anna V .. the wife of John L. Beaton, of Portsmouth : Samuel D., a government storekeeper in Cali- fornia : Fannie F .. widow of the late George A. Scott: Jennie, S .; and Robert D., Jr., who is in the hardware and mill-supply business in Norfolk : Eva : Emily Amelia ( Williams ) : and Mary Wightman are deceased. 43

Politically Mr. Cutherell is a Democrat. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. Religiously. he is a member of Monumental Methodist Epis- copal Church, South, and was secretary of the Sunday-school for 33 consecutive years. He is now a teacher in that body. Mr. Cutherell has many interesting curios, which have been col- lected from all over the world. He has in his possession the Whig ticket voted by his grand- father in 1844, for Henry Clay as president. and Theodore Frelinghuysen as vice-president. His home is very charming, and is located at No. 200 Washington street. Portsmouth. Mr. Cutherell has watched with interest the growth and development of Portsmouth and Norfolk County, and has always given his assistance to any worthy enterprise.

A LBERT JASON WHITEHURST. whose portrait is herewith shown. is one of the most progressive real es- tate dealers and rental agents of Nor- folk. Virginia, and his enterprise in that line has gone far toward making Norfolk the popular city it now is. He was born in Princess Anne County. Virginia, near Salem Church, and is a son of Neverson H. White- hurst, now deceased.

Mr. Whitehurst was reared in the country. and in his early life engaged in farming. Upon arriving at manhood he moved to Norfolk and for a few years clerked for some of the leading grocers of the city. He then opened a retail grocery at the corner of Bute and Brewer streets, which he conducted for several years. He then sold out and followed the business of a broker until 1899. when, with M. V. Ham- mack, under the firm name of Hammack. Whitehurst & Company, he engaged in selling suburban property. and conducted a general real estate business. The partnership lasted until 1901. when Mr. Whitehurst began busi- ness alone under the firm name of A. J. White- hurst & Company. He . organized a com-

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pany which purchased the J. S. Cooper truck farm of 35 acres, situated in the Seventh Ward, known as Park Place Ward, and laid it out in lots, which he is now placing on the market. Colley avenue runs through the center of this addition and is well graded. Walks have been built and shade trees set out, and there is a fine water frontage on the port. It is to be sold exclusively for residence purposes. Mr. Whitehurst handles property in Virginia Place and also considerable farming land. He is in- terested in the development of a large tract of land at Day's Point, where about 2,500 acres are being sold in small tracts for truck farms. Those already sold· have been disposed of to men from Ohio and the West, who are well pleased with the transaction. Mr. Whitehurst has gained many friends by his enterprising business methods, and enjoys the confidence of all with whom he comes in contact. He was a member of the Board of Health of Norfolk for a period of two years, and had the honor of being its president.

Mr. Whitehurst is an active and enthusias- tic member of Harmony Lodge, No. 19, I. O. O. F., and was the principal factor in organiz- ing, on December 14, 1891. Norfolk Lodge, No. 32, I. O. O. F., with 321 charter members ranging in age from 21 to 44 years. This lodge has proved to be one of the most popular and prominent in Norfolk. Mr. Whitehurst has filled all of the principal offices of the lodge and is a member of the Encampment and Canton. He is a past grand of his lodge and past district dep- uty grand master of the Grand Lodge. He is also a member of the Woodmen of the World, and of the Brotherhood Accident Com- pany, composed of I. O. O. F. members. He is president of the Young Men's Society of the Cumberland Street Methodist Episcopal Church, South, an office he has held for years, and belongs to the Epworth League. He is an active church worker, a member of the choir and a teacher in the Sabbath-school, having a class composed of 30 young men. He was

joined in marriage with Lillian T. Dozier, a daughter of Marshall Dozier, and granddaugh- ter of Dr. Clinton, of Norfolk. They have four children, namely: Marshall Neverson; Myra Bernice; Mildred Lucille; and Albert Jason, Jr.

R DSCOE J. DODD, who is chief clerk in the construction department at the 010 Norfolk Navy Yard, is a gentleman of wide experience in that field of work. He was born at Portsmouth, Vir- ginia, on St. Patrick's Day, 1855, and is a son of Matthew M. Dodd.

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History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900, Part 105

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