History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900, Part 106

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 106

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Matthew M. Dodd, who was born at Nor- folk, was an officer in the navy for many years, and died in the service in 1857. He was at- tached to the line-of-battleship "Pennsylvania," and to the "Cyane," throughout the Mexican War. He made his home at Portsmouth. His wife was of the Gayle family of Mathews County, Virginia, where she was born. She died in 1872, having given birth to three chil- dren, namely : Lucy C., of Portsmouth, widow of T. J. Jenkins, who died in North Carolina, in September, 1901 ; a son, who was a loco- motive engineer on the Seaboard Air Line Rail- way until he met death in an accident on Feb- ruary 22, 1896. in Weldon. North Carolia; and Roscoe J.

Roscoe J. Dodd was reared in Portsmouth, and there attended the public schools. At the age of 18 years he entered actively into busi- ness life by accepting a position as clerk with the Seaboard Air Line Railway. He resigned to accept the office of deputy clerk of the Ports- mouth courts under Colonel James D. Brady, who was later collector of internal revenue for the district. He continued with Colonel Brady . for a period of six years. He then served two years as deputy sheriff of Norfolk County, un- der John Lesner. He was then appointed clerk to Captain George A. Stevens in the navy, with whom he continued about 19 months, be- ing attached during that time to the monitor

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"Canonicus." and being at New Orleans dur- ing the political troubles between McEnery and Kellogg. He then returned home and was soon appointed captain's clerk on the stcamer. "Pinta." under Lieutenant Commander N. M. Dyer, afterward Captain Dyer, who command- ed the "Baltimore" in the engagement in Ma- nila Bay. under Admiral Dewey. After re- taining this position nearly a year lie returned to Portsmouth, and shortly afterward accepted a clerical position with the Lobdell Car Com- pany of Wilmington, Delaware, where he re- mained three or four years. Upon his return to Portsmouth. he was engaged in the United States Navy Yard for a time, and then ac- cepted a position with the cotton firm of Eure, Farrar & Price at Norfolk. With this concern he continued until Cleveland's first administra- tion. In June, 1885. he was appointed chief clerk in the navigation office in the Norfolk Navy Yard, which has since been merged into the equipment department. He filled that po- sition until near the close of Cleveland's first administration, and then was transferred by Admiral Brown to the general storekeeper's de- partment, as chief bookkeeper. in order to open the books under the new system inaugurated by Secretary Whitney. He held that position no longer than was necessary to get the books in order, and was then made chief clerk under Pay Inspector Joseph Foster, which was not a political position. He served as chief clerk under seven different storekeepers, being with each for a term of from one to two years. He was removed by Pay Inspector Bellows, in the latter part of Harrison's administration, and was succeeded by Mr. Van Vranken, from Phil- adelphia. He was out of that office less than a year. and was meanwhile employed by the Imperial Guano Company of Norfolk. Pay Director F. C. Cosby was sent here by the Paymaster General to relieve Mr. Bellows, and straighten the tangle affairs had gotten into. and one of his first acts; was to send for Mr. Dodd, to resume his former position. The lat- ter accepted and served with him and his suc-

cessor Pay Inspector Burtis. He was appoint- ed by Mr. Lisle, also, and served with him for three months, when he was, through the in- fluence of the present chief constructor of the navy, Francis T. Bowles, transferred to the po- sition of chief clerk of the construction de- partment. Mr. Bowles was then in charge of the department, and was succeeded by Naval Constructor Albert W. Stahl, who served from October 4, 1895, to May 15, 1901, when he was succeeded by Naval Constructor Robert Stocker. Mr. Dodd has held more responsible positions than any other clerk. having been chief clerk in three different departments. He has supervision over the work of 31 persons, 26 of them being clerks.

Mr. Dodd married into the Dorsey family. one of the oldest families of Maryland. and has two children, Haywood S., who is 13 years of age. and is attending school: and Ada Dor- sey, who is three years old. Fraternally, Mr. Dodd is a member of the Royal Arcanum and the National Union. He is liberal in his re- ligious views. In 1892 he erected his present fine home in Cottage Place, and it is one of the most attractive in that district.

APT. IRA E. DOLE has been in the service of the Old Dominion Steamship Company for a number of years, and is one of their most trusted captains. He was born in Brewer. Maine, December 2, 1849, and is a son of Ira and Mary J. ( Hayes ) Dole.

The Dole family settled in Newbury, Massachusetts, in 1650, and were from the northern part of France. Ira Dole, the father of Ira E .. was born in Limerick. Maine, and later settled in Brewer; his wife was born in the same town. He was a farmer and spent his days in the town of Brewer, his death oc- curring at the advanced age of 76 years. His wife died at the age of 36 years, and he again married. By his first union he had two chil-

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dren .- Charles, a farmer of Holden, Maine, and Ira E., the subject of this sketch.

Capt. Ira E. Dole atttended school in Brewer, Maine, where he lived until he was 17 years old. At that age he went to sea on a sailing vessel, and from the lowest position soon worked himself to the top. His first command was a brig called the "Manson," of 300 tons. He remained on sailing vessels for a period of 15 years. His first steamer was the "Breakwater," and belonged to the Old Dominion Steamship line. His services with the Old Dominion Steamship Company began in 1882, and he has had charge of the follow- ing vessels : "Breakwater;" "Cleopatra :" "Richmond :" "City of Atlanta;" "York- town;" "Hamilton;" "Jefferson." He took command of the "Jefferson" in 1899. Captain Dole has sailed on the Northern and Southern Atlantic Ocean, the Mediterranean Sea and the South American side of the Pacific Ocean, these voyages all being made in sailing ves- sels.

Captain Dole married Dora E. Pierce, of Brewer. Maine, and they have two daugh- ters,-Edith W. and Ethel N. Captain Dole belongs to the A. F. & A. M., and also to the Foresters. He makes his home in Arlington, New Jersey, where he is one of the best-known and most highly esteemed citizens.

APT. ISAAC H. BEALE, who has been connected with the Norfolk County Ferries for the past 17 years, has been identified with the progress and development of Nor- folk for the past 28 years, is a highly respected citizen of that place. He was born in South- ampton County, Virginia, April 27, 1849, and is a son of Jesse' A. Beale.

Jesse A. Beale was born in Southampton County, and was a farmer during all his act- ive life. He married Margaret March, who was born in Nansemond County, Virginia,

and now resides in Ashland, Virginia. They had two children, namely : Isaac H. and Mrs. Annie Peel, of Ashland. Jesse A. Beale was a member of the old 13th Regiment, Virginia Cavalry, in 1849.

Capt. Isaac H. Beale began his seafaring life when a boy of 16 years. His first work was as an oyster culler, and from that he filled all the various positions on different crafts run- ning from New York to Savannah. His first command of a steam vessel was in South Caro- lina waters. Since coming to Norfolk he has filled the positions of pilot and master, and for the past 17 years has been connected with the ferry-boats of Norfolk County. He is next to the oldest man in point of service, on the Nor- folk County Ferries. He is very popular, and is well known in Norfolk. He has won many friends by his pleasing personality, and is greatly loved by all who know him.

Captain Beale married Anna McDonald, of Portsmouth, Virginia, and to them have been born two children,-McHenry and Annie L. Captain Beale is a member of the I. O. O. F. and Knights of Pythias lodges. Politically he is a Democrat.

O. WRENN, one of the progressive business men of Norfolk, Virginia, is a member of the firm of A. Wrenn & Sons, carriage and wagon manufacturers, concern a i-ell known throughout the Southern States.

A. Wrenn & Sons operate the largest car- riage factory 'in the South, which is located from No. 20 to No. 40 Union street. The business was established as far back as 1852 by A. Wrenn, who then began the manufac- ture of vehicles in a small way. Owing to his fair business methods and the increasing de- mand for his product, his enterprise thrived and soon grew to large proportions. ' About 1880 C. O. Wrenn and McD. L. Wrenn, his sons, were taken in as members of the firm,

WILLIAM B. JOHNSON.

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and since the retirement of their father, a few years later, they have owned and successfully conducted the plant. The output of their fac- tory is more than 5,000 vehicles per annum. which find a ready sale throughout Virginia. North Carolina. South Carolina, Georgia. Florida, Maryland, Delaware and other States of the South. They manufacture buggies. runabouts, phaetons, surreys, traps, rocka- ways and delivery wagons, and also deal in harness, robes, etc. Theirs is one of the most substantial business houses in Norfolk, fur- nishing employment to 150 people.

C. O. Wrenn is well known to the citizens of Norfolk. and since May, 1900, he has been a member of the Select Council of the city. doing all within his power to secure for it a good, honest business administration.

ILLIAM B. JOHNSON, who died February 22, 1902, was the only exclusive undertaker and embalmer in the city of Portsmouth, and stood prominently to the fore in that profession. He was born at Richmond. Virginia. June 12. 1841, and his parents were both Virginians. He was 14 years of age when his father died and he had one brother. Adol- phus, who was killed during the Confederate War. and two others, Oscar and Elliott, who are deceased. Two half-brothers and a half- sister of Mr. Johnson are living in Richmond. Virginia.

Mr. Johnson came to Norfolk, Virginia. in 1859 and served in Company H. 6th Regi- ment. Virginia Infantry. Mahone's Brigade. He served as a private, until discharged be- cause of disability. He re-enlisted and was detailed for service at Richmond as a sergeant. He was captured outside the city, returned to Norfolk at the close of the war and then set- tled in Portsmouth in the same year, 1865. He entered the employ of the firm of Scott & Flemming, and in 1866 began the undertaking

business for himself. He first located on High street, and later moved to County street. He was located at No. 6OS Green street for four years. He erected a fine building of two stor- ies, 46 by 26 feet. in dimensions, and also another block containing several stores and offices. He also erected a large and fine resi- clence. thus owning the entire block. Start- ing with comparatively nothing in a financial way he achieved a grand success. He always evinced a deep interest in the welfare of Ports- mouth. He dealt almost exclusively with the merchants of the city, and was identified with many improvements in Portsmouth. In 1887 Mr. Johnson completed a course in prepara- tion for his profession. in the Clarke School of Embalming at Cincinnati, Ohio, and in the United States College of Embalming, in 1892. He served three terms as president of the State Board of Embalmers, having main- tained that official position since the organiza- tion of the body. 12 years ago.

Mr. Johnson was first united in marriage with Mary E. Thompson, a daughter of Rob- ert A. J. Thompson, and a native of Ports- mouth. Her father was an early resident of the city and was well-known in the navy, where he had charge of the blacksmithing department. He served as city councilman several years, and died about 1884. Two children blessed this union, namely: Maywood Lee, who died in 1878, at the age of eight years; and William Mosbey, who was born in 1867. and died at the age of 20 months. The latter was named after the father of the subject of this sketch. After the death of Mrs. Johnson. Mr. Johnson formed a second union, wedding his sister-in- law, Annie R. Thompson.

Mr. Johnson had a very fine business, the establishment being exceedingly well managed. The building was especially adapted to this line of business. His office was in the front, and immediately back of the office was a room in which a complete line of samples was carried. the stock being kept up stairs. He maintained a private morgue, and had stables in connec-

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tion with his business. He carried a line of hardware supplies, and had his own engrav- ing machine. He had ambulances for the ben- efit of his patrons, and funeral cars which are among the best in the State. For two years he was presiding officer of the Undertakers' Asso- ciation of Virginia. Fraternally he was a Ma- son and attained the rank of Knight Templar. He was also a member of the I. O. R. M. and B. P. O. E. Religiously he was a member of the Baptist Church, and his widow is a mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church. A portrait of Mr. Johnson is shown on a preceding page.

P AUL B. LUKE, who has filled the po- sition of conductor on the Norfolk & Southern Railroad for many years, has given eminent satisfaction by his good service, and is esteemed and re- spected by the citizens of Berkley, Virginia. He is a native of Elizabeth City, North Caro- lina, where his birth occurred May 1, 1874, and is a son of Col. G. G. and Mary (Wright) Luke, the former a native of Portsmouth, Vir- ginia. and the latter of North Carolina. He is a grandson of John Luke, a great-grandson of Paul Dale Luke, and a great-great-grandson of Isaac Luke.

Isaac Luke was a 'prominent citizen of Portsmouth, his residence being located on Court street. He had the honor of entertain- ing Rev. Robert Williams, the first Methodist Episcopal preacher who ever preached in Nor- folk or Portsmouth. The eminent divine came to this vicinity on board a schooner, and preached his first sermon from the Court House steps. Later, successive sermons were deliv- ered from the steps of Isaac Luke's residence. Interest in these meetings grew, and finally a church organization was formed. This oc- curred during the year 1784, and on October 3Ist of the same year Isaac Luke died in his 54th year. He left three sons and one daugh- ter, namely : Paul Dale, William B., Isaac,

Jr., and Elizabeth. The eldest of these, Paul Dale Luke, had two sons, Paul, for whom the subject hereof is named, and John, the grand- father of our subject.

Col. G. G. Luke was a man of affairs in his day, and was well known throughout North Carolina, Virginia and Maryland. During his early years he chose law for his profession, and was engaged in diligent study when the Confederate War broke out, but he left.all to enlist in the army. He was taken prisoner at one time and then exchanged, but was after- ward captured again, and stayed in prison for several months. At the close of the conflict he finished his law course, and commenced practicing at Camden Court House, North Car- olina, following up the Circuit Courts with headquarters at that place until 1888. He also practiced at Elizabeth City, North Carolina. For four years, during President Cleveland's administration, he served as petition clerk in the House of Representatives, and afterward removed to Berkley, Virginia, on account of impaired health. He died at the age of 61 years, but his widow still survives, and is an honored resident of Berkley. Mr. Luke and his wife were active members of the Episcopal Church, and the Colonel was always active in politics, also. Colonel and Mrs. Luke had a family of six boys and four girls, six of whom are still living.

Paul B. Luke received his early mental training at Elizabeth City, after which he en- tered railway service as a brakeman on the Norfolk & Southern Railroad. He filled that position for six months, when he was pro- moted to the position of assistant yard master in Berkley. In this he served one year and was then further advanced to be a conductor, in 1893, which position he still holds. He has always been considered fortunate in regard to accidents, and is well known as accommodat- ing and pleasant.

May 8, 1901, Mr. Luke was united in marriage with Lillian Estelle Horney, a na- tive of Maryland, and a daughter of Charles

THOMAS B. GRIFFIN.

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Horney. Her mother is deceased, and her father still resides in Maryland. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, but Mr. Luke worships with the Epis- copal Church.

Mr. Luke is assistant chief conductor of R. E. Lee Division, No. 205, of the Order of Railway Conductors, at Portsmouth, Virginia. and was sent to the convention at St. Paul. Minnesota, as a delegate in May, 1901. He is also a member of the K. of P., having passed through all the chairs. He has ever been faith- ful to the best interests of his employers, who place a high value on his services.

HOMAS B. GRIFFIN, a truck farmer of Norfolk County, whose portrait ac- companies this sketch, is well-known throughout his section of the county. and is highly respected by all who know him. He is a son of John Griffin, and was born July 8. 1867, near West Norfolk. Virginia. Mr. Griffin's father also occupies a place of much prominence among agricultur- ists, and owns several farms, which he keeps in the highest state of cultivation.

The subject of this sketch spent the most of his early years in attending school at Churchland, thus securing what education he could, and has been engaged in truck farming ever since. He now owns 150 acres adjoining his father's farms on the Western Branch of the Elizabeth River, and there he and his fam- ily enjoy a happy home.

In 1890 Mr. Griffin was united in marriage with Rachel Williams, a daughter of J. M. Williams. She was born in Petersburg, Vir- ginia. in 1871. Six children resulted from this union, as follows : Mortimer W .: John N .: Sadie : Thomas Ben : John T. ; and Charles C .. who is deceased. The family are faithful at- tendants of the Baptist Church.

Politically Thomas B. Griffin is an earnest Democrat and believes the principles of that

party will best advance the interests of the country. He has always been one of Norfolk County's most progressive citizens, and every enterprise which promises the promotion of business and the development of the material interests of the community, has found in him a willing advocate.

OHN W. BETTS. superintendent of the Seaboard Wharf Warchouse Com- pany, and also agent for the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Company, with offices at the warehouse on Ist street, at the head of Wythe, in Portsmouth, Norfolk County. Virginia, was born in Granville Coun- ty, North Carolina. He is a son of Calvin Betts, who was clerk of the Superior Court of that county, and also judge of probate.

At the age of 22 years John W. Betts, whose name opens these lines, was elected reg- ister of deeds of Granville County, North Caro- lina. He served in that capacity for five years. He was then appointed to the position of dep- uty collector of internal revenue for the Fourth District of North Carolina, being located at Raleigh. Oxford and Durham. . After 12 years spent in that office he became bookkeeper for J. W. Blackwell, and remained in that gentle- man's employ for two years. The following IO years he held a position with the Tunis Lumber Company, giving it up to accept his present one. His position as superintendent of the Seaboard Wharf & Warehouse Company is a very responsible one. and Mr. Betts fills it with credit to himself and the company. He is also serving as agent for the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Company. Possessed of more than ordinary business ability, with firm de- termination, and much energy, he has won suc- cess in his business, and is one of the influential men of the community.

Mr. Betts was married in Norfolk, in 1877, to Nannie W. Reynolds, who was born in Isle of Wight County. Virginia. They have had

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the following children : Lillie S., who teaches school; Mrs. W. G. Dolby; Mrs. Ernest Le- Compt ; John W .. Jr., deceased ; and Lola W., who died in 1901, aged 20 years.

Mr. Betts is a member of the Woodmen of the World and the Masonic order. The fam- ily attend the Protestant Episcopal Church.

D. FREITAS, well known at Nor- folk and in the surrounding country as an extensive truck farmer, is es- teemed as a sober, energetic citizen, who by his industry has accumulated a very comfortable competency.

Mr. Freitas was born in Portugal, in 1856, and remained there until he attained the age of 12 years, when he went to South America, and this country proved to be his home for the 12 years following. He has seen much of the world, for his age, and has visited many dif- ferent countries. learning more and more about their mode of life and their civilization. When still young he entered the United States Navy. and while aboard one of the gunboats visited the far-away country of Africa, and entered almost every seaport in the "Dark Continent." The vessel then received orders to sail for In- dia, and on its arrival there many an enjoy- able day was spent in visiting the seaport towns of that country, in the interests of Uncle Sam. Japan was afterward visited, where the vessel remained for some time. Tartary was the next place of interest, but a very short time was spent there previous to returning to Japan, and later to China, the last-named coun- try claiming attention for quite a while. The orders were finally given to sail for the West Indies again, and from there to New York. His time of enlistment had expired, and he left the good ship "Worcester." where he had seen sich good service, and settled down to life in America. During his voyage around the world he had learned a number of languages, and

during his first year in this country was em- ployed as an interpreter to a great extent.

In 1874 Mr. Freitas was united in marriage with Mary Jane Lagamacino, a native of Genoa, Itally, who at the age of seven years was brought to this country, her home at first be- ing in Louisville, Kentucky. She afterward removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, where she re- mained for the following three years, previous to making her home at Pittsburg, Pennsyl- vania. After spending two years in that lo- cality she decided to settle permanently at Nor- folk, Virginia, and there remained until her marriage with Mr. Freitas.

After his marriage Mr. Freitas and his good wife settled on the land owned by Mrs. Freitas. This land consisted of about 73 acres of fine ground, situated on the shell road run- ning from Norfolk to Ocean View, about four miles from the former and two miles from the latter. Fifty acres of this land have been made into a garden, where all kinds of the best farm products are raised. Besides the out- houses necessary for truck farming on a large scale, they have built a storeroom and stocked it with groceries, and for the past several years have ministered to the wants of their neighbors and friends to great advantage. They carry on a flourishing and profitable trade, and enjoy the respect and good wishes of all.

Mr. Freitas and his excellent wife have had seven children, as follows: Emily Elizabeth, the eldest child, who is now the wife of J. Mary of Norfolk; John Michael, who departed this life at the age of 20 years and seven months: Josie Frances; Mary Cecilia and Louis, who are at home; Maggie Rosa, who died at the age of 11 months and two days ; and Teriza Rosa. The family reside in their fine, 10-room house on the farm, and are justly proud of their beautiful home. They are reg- lılar attendants of the Roman Catholic Church, of which they are devout members.

During President Cleveland's administra- tion Mr. Freitas was appointed postmaster, and held that position during that administra-

JOEL C. WHITE.

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tion and for three years in Harrison's admin- istration, when he resigned. Mr. Freitas is a man on whom his fellow citizens can rely, and who therefore enjoys their confidence.

DEL C. WHITE. a well-known archi- tect and builder of Norfolk, Norfolk County, Virginia, whose portrait ac- companies this sketch. was born in Norfolk in 1831, and is a son of Jamies G. White.

James G. White, who was a native of Mathews County, Virginia, early in life re- moved to Norfolk. In 1835 he began business in Norfolk as a contractor and builder, under the firm name of Cullis & White, and among that firm's earliest work was the Norfolk Acad- emy. After 1846 Mr. White conducted the business alone. Eight years later he took hisson, Joel C., into the firm. that partnership continu- ing for four years, after which he again as- sumed entire charge of the business. He erected the Second Presbyterian Church and many oth- er prominent buildings of Norfolk. He retired from active duties in 1880 and II years later died. at the age of 86 years. Mr. White mar- ried Priscilla Potts, a daughter of John and Sally Potts. His wife also died in her 86th year. James G. White was an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and was one of the trustees. He was an Odd Fel- low. Those of his children who survive are: Joel C., the subject of this sketch ; Sally; John J., of Norfolk : William O., of Williamsburg : and Charles E .. of Norfolk.

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History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900, Part 106

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