History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900, Part 107

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 107

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Joel C. White learned the contracting busi- ness with his father, spending four years in partnership with him. They erected the I. O. O. F. building, on Church street, which was their first contract. With the exception of a few years spent in partnership with his brother. Joel C. White has conducted the business alone since 1858. He erected the Norfolk College of Young Ladies, Centenary Methodist Episco-

pal Church, South, Hospital St. Vincent de Paul, many prominent business blocks and nu- merous houses. He is considered one of the best contractors in Norfolk County, and has received mach praise for his architectural de- signs. He has done much to assist in the de- velopment of Norfolk and is progressive and modern in his ideas.

Mr. White was united in marriage with Elizabeth H1. White, a daughter of James White, of Mathews County, Virginia. Of Io children born to this union, but three are living, namely: John H .; Mattie May, who married William Freeman; and Joel C., Jr., who is shipping clerk in Norfolk.

Mr. White still takes many contracts for buildings, but manages to find time in which to indulge in his favorite sports, hunting and fishing. He has been an active member of the I. O. O. F. lodge since he reached his major- ity, having served as past grand of his lodge. and is now past grand of the State. He is also a member of the K. of P. lodge. He has served in the City Council for many years, and was commissioned by Governor Walker as one of the councilmen, when the new charter was amended.

J. ARMISTEAD, a member of the firm of R. J. Armistead & Company, dealers in harness and carriage fur- nishings, comes of one of Norfolk's most prominent families, tracing its ancestry in this country back to 1632. He was born at Portsmouth, and is a son of M. W. Armistead.

M. W. Armistead was born near Hampton in 1811. and came from Elizabeth City County to Portsmouth about 1840. He was engaged in the wholesale grocery business at Ports- mouth, and later at Norfolk from 1869 to 1878, his death occurring in the latter year. The mother of R. J. Armistead was also born near Hampton and lived until 1893. when she died at the age of 76 years. Their children were as

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follows: Lizzie A. (Benson), a widow re- siding at Portsmouth; M. W:, a farmer of Nansemond County, who has six children ; Samuel Wilson, a naval constructor, who was killed at the Mare Island Navy Yard, Cali- fornia, in January, 1895, leaving a widow (a daughter of A. H. Lindsay) and three chil- dren, who reside at Norfolk; and R. J., whose name heads these lines.

R. J. Armistead first engaged in business as a clerk in the grocery store, and continued thus from 1880 until 1889. when the firm of R. J. Armistead & Company was established. He has always been the active manager of this concern, and from its inception until 1899 car- ried a line of vehicles in addition to the pres- ent stock. He made a success of it from the first and enjoys a large and well paying pat- ronage. He has other business interests, and owns considerable property in the city ..

Mr. Armistead was united in marriage with a daughter of William H. H. Hodges, formerly cashier of the Bank of Portsmouth, her mother being a Griswold. They are parents of five children, namely: William H .; L. M., born in 1887; Susie, born in 1892: Mary G., born in 1895; and Robert J., Jr. Fraternally, Mr. Armistead is a member of Ocean Council, Royal Arcanum. Religiously, the family are Episcopalians, although the subject of this sketch is a Baptist. A member of the Armi- stead family, it is said, gave the ground on which was built the oldest Episcopal church at Hampton, Virginia.

RNEST L. DASHIELL, a progressive real estate, insurance and rental agent. has been engaged in that line · of business, in Portsmouth, for the past five years in a highly successful manner. He was born in that city and is a son of J. J. Dashiell.

J. J. Dashiell was born in Isle of Wight County, Virginia, but located in Norfolk Coun-

ty several years prior to the Confederate War. He served four years in General Mahone's Brigade, and then returned and was engaged in mercantile pursuits at Norfolk for several years. He then removed to Portsmouth, and was elected by a large majority to the office of cemetery keeper. He was a Democrat in politics. He served in the capacity above men- tioned until his death, July 7, 1900. He mar- ried a Miss Daughtrey, a member of one of the early families of Portsmouth. Her ifather was William Daughtrey, who was a conductor on the Seaboard Air Line Railway, and lost his life in an accident. Mrs. Dashiell was born in Portsmouth, and had three brothers,-C. L., P. H. and B. F. C. L. Daughtrey, who died in 1901, was a stone and marble-cutter and dealer, and conducted large marble works in Portsmouth. He was a prominent member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. P. H. Daughtrey is a wholesale merchant of Cumberland, Maryland. B. F. Daughtrey is a latter of Portsmouth. Mr. and Mrs. Dashiell reared 10 children, namely : O., a plumber and stove dealer of Portsmouth; W. H., a retail grocer ; J. C., who is proprietor of a café; E. W., who is in charge of the claim department of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad at Pinner's Point : A. L., who is employed as a molder at the Navy Yard: L. L .: Ida M .: Hattie M .; Mrs. J. F. O'Connor ; and Ernest L.

Ernest L. Dashiell left school at the age of 12 years, and engaged with the Western Union Telegraph Company as messenger, in which capacity he served for two years. He was then with Attorney W. G. Elliott until that gentleman became president of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, and then was with Cap- tain C. G. Elliott, treasurer of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad, for three years. He next held a clerical position with the New York, Philadelphia & Norfolk Railroad Company un- til 1896, when he entered upon business for himself. He was exclusively in the insurance business for three years, and then added real estate. He has met with success and rep-

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resents the following companies : etna Insur- ance Company of New York: New York Un- derwriters Agency of New York; Seaboard Fire Insurance Company, a home enterprise and the oldest company in Eastern Virginia; New York Plate Glass Insurance Company ; Travelers Insurance Company of Hartford, Connecticut ; and the Orient Insurance Com- pany of Hartford, Connecticut. He also has large real estate interests, having one of the largest and most successful agencies in the city or county. His assistants are Mamie Baker, who is. bookkeeper and has charge of the office. and D. F. Bourke, who has charge of collections.

M :. Dashiell married Mabel L. Baker, and they have one child, Mabel L .. who died at the age of two years. They have a comfort- able residence at No. 1007 Washington street. Fraternally, Mr. Dashiell is a member of the B. P. O. E .. . Royal Arcanum, Knights of Pythias, Woodmen of the World and National Union. In religious attachment he is a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. He is an enthusiastic worker in the Y. M. C. A., and has charge of the Boys' Brigade. He is also a member of the Business Men's As- sociation of Portsmouth.

AMUEL L. BURROUGHS, who has attained prominence as postmaster of Portsmouth. Norfolk County, Vir- ginia, was born in Portsmouth. Feb- ruary 8, 1858. and is a son of John H. Burroughs.

John H. Burroughs was born in Mathews County. Virginia, and his wife came from the Eastern Shore of Virginia. His parents were from Stafford County, but at an early day removed to Mathews County, Virginia. John H. Burroughs was a Union man during the Intersectional War, and he and his sons be- came Republicans in politics. He and his wife became the parents of 12 children, of whom

two sons and one daughter are deceased. Of those living, all reside in Portsmouth except Alonzo C., a naval officer stationed at Mare Island, California ; and Minnie C. (Hernan- dezs), who resides at Philadelphia.

Samuel L. Burroughs attended the con- mon schools until he was 16 years of age, and was then engaged in the book and stationery business at Norfolk until he was appointed postmaster in 1898. He has the distinction of being the youngest man who ever served as postmaster of Portsmouth. He was, at the time of his appointment, chairman of the congres- sional committee, and vice-president of the Re- publican League Club. from Virginia. As postmaster he has given universal satisfaction, and has hearty indorsements for reappointment in 1902. The Post Office building is in an old State Bank building, on the corner of High and Court streets, and is rented by the govern- ment. During his administration the business of the office has increased over So per cent., and he has worked for and secured many valuable changes and additions in the service. The transactions of the money-order department have increased 100 per cent. in volume, the registry order department has increased to 1,000 pieces more than in any previous year, and the number of carriers has grown from six to 10. and of clerks from three to five. The grade of the chief clerk has been changed to that of assistant postmaster. the present incum- bent being W. E. Crismond. Four deliveries are daily made to an estimated number of from 25,000 to 28.000 people. extending a mile into the country. The salaries of all employees, in- cluding the subject of this sketch. have been increased from $300 to $500 each. There are increased facilities for rapid handling of mails, and it now has Io star-route offices. As an accommodation to business men, the money-or- der department is kept open from 7:30 A. M. to 7:00 P. M. There are received and dis- patched 144 mail bags daily. Mr. Burroughs is the first postmaster of Portsmouth to secure permission of the Department to close the of-

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HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY

fice on Southern Memorial Day, in May. Act- ing with the president of the Council, he se- cured an earlier arrival and a later departure of mails for the North, and his efforts in this line and the results secured have received fa- vorable comment from the press of Ports- mouth. At a cost of $4,000 a screen-wagon service has been added, a great improvement over the pushi-cart service, and one which is warranted by the large increase in business. Mr. Burroughs is a man of great executive ability, and his conscientious discharge of the duties of his office has gained for him the good will and hearty approval of the citizens of Portsmouth.

Mr. Burroughs was first united in mar- riage with Annie B. Lane, who died about 1895. leaving three children, as follows: Hat- tie, Harvey and Aletha. He formed a second union in February, 1901 .- wedding Mrs. Lalla B. Jones, who had three children, namely : Lalla Jones; Park Jones and Jack Jones. They re- side at No. 509 Dinwiddie street. Fraternally, the subject of this sketch is a member of the National Union. Religiously. he is a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church.

OOD P. JOHNSON, in the service of the Old Dominion Steamship Company as captain of the steamer "Accomack." was born in Me- chanicsburg. Pennsylvania, in 1860. He is a son of William Y. and Hulda M. ( Howard) Johnson.

William Y. Johnson was a native of Penn- sylvania. He was engaged in the steamboat business, and in 1869 removed to Norfolk, where he remained until 1894. He was ap- pointed inspector of hulls, and held that of- fice until his death, which occurred October I. 1901, at the age of 73 years. At one time he was a member of the Virginia Legislature. serving in the House of Delegates, and was

also a member of the City Council of Norfolk three terms, both in the Select and Common branches. He was a Democrat in politics. He belonged to the Masonic order. Both he and his wife were members of the Presbyterian Church. William Y. Johnson married Hulda M. Howard, a daughter of Thomas and Elea- nor (Flemming) Howard. She was born in Frederick, Maryland, and is now living in Nor- folk. Seven children were born to William Y. Johnson and his wife, four of whom are now living. They are as follows: Charles How- ard, harbor master at Norfolk; Hattie H., who lives with her mother; Porter Y., a merchant of Norfolk; and Wood P., the subject of this sketch.

Wood P. Johnson attended the public schools of Portsmouth. After leaving school he went on the Portsmouth Enterprise, remain- ing there until 1881. He then worked with his father as clerk on the wharf for one year, after which he worked as purser on the steamboat "Harbinger." Later he became first pilot and master, and in 1887 went back to the wharf, becoming his father's clerk. Mr. Johnson en- tered the service of the Old Dominion Steam- ship Company in January. 1894, as purser and first officer. He remained in that capacity un- til February. 1900, when he was made captain of the vessel "Accomack." Much confidence is placed in his ability as a seaman, and he is highly esteemed by his employers and by those beneath him in rank.

Mr. Johnson was married in April. 1890. to Fannie V. Smith, a daughter of George William and Virginia (Howard) Smith. She was born in Frederick, Maryland, in 1861. They have two children, namely: Virginia Howard, who was born February 11, 1894; and Kate Marie, who was born January 19. 1896. The Captain and his wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. He is a member of the Elizabeth Camp. No. 3. Woodmen of the World: and Progressive Harbor, No. 9. Masters' & Pilots' Association. Politically, he is a Democrat.

CAPT. M. C. KEELING.

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APT. M. C. KEELING, who has long been one of the most prominent men of the town of Berkley, of which he is now mayor, was born in Williams- burg. Virginia, October 7. 1838. His father and grandfather were natives of Princess Anne County, Virginia. Although the family, both in England and America, had been members of the Protestant Episcopal Church. Captain Keeling's father conceived a strong admiration for Rev. Melville Cox. the noted African missionary. and accordingly named his son after him.

When Captain Keeling was about a year old his parents moved with their family to Norfolk, where, when 20 years old, he joined the Norfolk Light Artillery Blues, an organi- zation whose inception dates back to 1828. He participated in his first parade with that body on February 22, 1858, and has been a member of that command ever since. In point of con- tinuous service he is probably the oldest officer if not the oklest member of the Volunteers of Virgin'a. When the "Blues" went to the front at the outbreak of the Confederate War. Cap- tain K-eling accompanied them, saw his share of hard service and received his portion of hard knocks. He was twice wounded, once at Chancellorsville, and again at the Crater. He was taken prisoner during the Stonewall raid. but was shortly afterward exchanged. He was again captured at Hatcher's Run. and was in- prisoned at Point Lookout three months, or until the close of the war, when he was re- Jeased by order of President Johnson. He was elected to the captaincy of his company March 1, 1889. During the visit of the Blues to New Orleans, in 1895, at the Mardi Gras, he was created "Duke of Norfolk" by the King of the Carnival and presented with the "Jewel of the Household." He is an honored and respected citizen of Berkley, where his neighbors admire him for his public spirit and sterling worth as a man. He is prominent in both public and private enterprises of the town, and served as a member of the Council for some years.

He was elected by that body as mayor of the town in 1899, and has given Berkley an honest. business-like administration. He also served as president of the Council.

August 12, 1866, Captain Keeling was ami- ted in marriage with Sally Walker, a daughter of H. B. C. Walker. Her father was born in Princess Anne County, Virginia, and married Miss Creecy. Mrs. Keeling was born in Hart- ford in 1842. As a result of her union with Captain Keeling she gave birth to two chil- dren : Emily Armistead, who married C. W. Robertson, a lumber dealer of Norfolk; and Harry Walker, who is secretary and treasurer of the R. E. Johnson Company, brokers, of Norfolk. The latter married Lucy Scott, a daughter of R. B. and Susan Scott. Captain Keeling is superintendent of the Sunday-school of the Chestnut Street Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and is one of the best-known Masons of Berkley. His portrait accompanies this sketch.

RS. ELIZA ANN HODGES. the relict of Caleb Hodges, Sr., is an honored resident of Portsmouth. Virginia. She was born at Deep Creek. Norfolk County. July 18. 1820, and is a daughter of Samuel and Lucretia Cherry. Her father was a ship-carpenter, mer- chant and farmer.

On November 5. 1840. Eliza Ann Cherry was united in marriage with Caleb Hodges, Sr., who was born at Deep Creek. a son of Josiah Hodges. Josiah Hodges was born in North Carolina, and was a child when brought to Deep Creek, where he was reared by Sam- tel Weston. He followed farming until his death, which occurred at an early age. He married Mrs. Lydia (Brown) Gordon, and they were the parents of the following chil- dren : Nathan. Thomas. Josiah, Hilry, James, Elizabeth and Caleb. Sr.

Caleb Hodges, Sr., was reared on a farm and learned boat building with his brother,

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Thomas Hodges. They established a business at an early day, and manufactured skiffs and other light boats. They built boats and ran some of them to near-by ports with produce. They also engaged in the manufacture of shingles, doors, blinds, etc., during the days in which such things were made by hand. Caleb Hodges, Sr., became the owner of three farms, but as he did not believe in slavery he paid all his help by the day. He served as magistrate and was captain of a company of State Militia. From the time he reached his 18th year, until his death, he was a very active member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and at all times his house was thrown open for church work. He was superintendent of the Sabbath-school until the time of his death, and he and his wife were the center and main support of their church. He built a large tab- ernacle called the Rohoboth Church, which the colored people of the community now own, and in which they hold religious services. He had a very fine property, with a fine home, good orchards and other improvements, and this, un- divided, is now owned by his widow. He died in 1871, at the age of 53 years.

Mr. and Mrs. Hodges became the parents of the following children: Caleb W., de- ceased : Samuel \V .; Albert, deceased, and Jerome, twins ; Henry T., deceased ; Caleb, Jr .; Mary P., wife of W. G. Pettis; Joseph G .; Emily, wife of J. Carson; John N .; and Kate F., wife of J. W. Outten. Mrs. Hodges is now eighty-two years of age, and is enjoying the best of health. She is a loving mother and kind neighbor, and has many friends in this county.

APT. JOHN S. WEBBER, assistant chief of the Fire Department of Nor- folk. Virginia, was born in that city in 1843. He is a son of John Web- ber, who served for many years in the United States Navy, and died in 1869, aged 54 years.

Capt. John S. Webber was reared in his native city, received his mental training there, and learned the trade of a sailmaker. This trade he followed for a period of six years, after which he accepted a clerkship. He en- listed in the Confederate War, and served un- til its close in Company A, 38th Virginia Bat- talion of Artillery. Captain Webber began his career as a fireman 40 years ago, his first po- sition being that of lamp-boy. He was subse- quently promoted to be hoseman, and in 1896 to be foreman of Engine No. 1. In that year he was elected by the City Council as assistant chief of the Fire Department of Norfolk. He has served in this capacity with great ac- ceptability since that time, and is very highly spoken of by his men and by the public in general.

He manages the Queen street fire district with much good judgment, and everything is kept in excellent condition around the engine- house. An old hook-and-ladder cart. which was bought in Baltimore in 1858, by Thomas Corprew, for the city of Norfolk, is still kept at this engine-house as a relic. The original wheels of the cart were used until 1898. There is a second-class Silsby engine and a Gleason & Bailey combination truck and chemical engine, with a capacity of 70 gallons, an extension ladder. 65 feet long, and two 50-foot ladders at this engine-house. Seven fine horses are used, and also a buggy for the assistant chief. The building, which is of brick, was erected in 1893. The floors are brick with steel guide- rails. The second floor is devoted to reception and sitting rooms, bedrooms, lockers and baths. Eleven men are employed, nine being on duty daily. This company has won much praise for bravery, both individually and as a whole, at fires which called for quick 'action and steadi- ness of nerve.

Captain Webber married Caroline Mary of Norfolk. Their children are as follows : Lucy P. (Childs) ; Sarah L. (Page) ; Madeline E. (Cage) : Caroline Lawrence; John J .: Will- iam S .; Charles C. ; and Oliver A.

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HI. MINOR, one of Norfolk's large real estate owners and a pro- moter of the Park Place district in the city, is also a director of the City National Bank. He was born in Chenango County, New York, and was reared in the country. Much of his early life was devoted to learning a trade, but being very active in mind, he decided to venture into the lumber business, and accordingly estab- lishing himself in that line in Bradford County. Pennsylvania, where his business proved a great success.

But Mr. Minor worked too hard and his health became much impaired ; he was advised by Dr. S. W. Mitchell, of Philadelphia, and by his friends to go South on a vacation, which he did, traveling through several States. Find- ing the Southern air very beneficial to him, he decided to locate at some city where he could enjoy the air from the ocean. His health soon returned under this treatment and with it came the desire to be busy at some employ- ment. Therefore, in company with several of Norfolk's most active citizens, he purchased 178 acres of land north of the city and ad- joining the city park. This land they platted as Park Place, laid out streets and walks, planted shade trees, and finally liad about 2, 100 lots in splendid condition to sell, with sewers and water pipes laid, and fitted for all the con- vettiences of modern homes. These improve- ments were soon followed by electric lights and the telephone service. Mr. Minor's prop- city was on a fine elevation, and he was one of the first to build, his beautiful residence be- ing situated in the midst of grassy lawns, planted artistically with shade trees and flow- ers. Besides his home property he owns sev- eral other fine and altogether desirable lots.

As will be seen from this account, Mr. Miner has been one of the city's greatest bene- factors, having taken such an interest in the welfare of Park Place that his fellow citizens should feel proud of its beauty, as well as grate- ful to its promoters. Mr. Minor is a stock-

holder and director of the City National Bank, 1 of which he was one of the organizers. He is interested in the Union Stock Yards at Berk- ley. Fraternally, he is a member of Atlantic Lodge, No. 2, A. F. & A. M., Norfolk United Chapter, No. 1. R. A. M., and Grice Com- mandery, No. 16, K. T., all of Norfolk. He still holds membership in Scottich Rite de- grees in Harrisburg Consistory, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and is a member of Acca Tem- ple, A. A. O. N. M. S., of Richmond, Vir- ginia.

AROD D. LOWNSBERY. an ex- tensive real estate dealer of Norfolk, Norfolk County, Virginia, was born in Oxford, New York. There he was reared and educated, and at the age of 20 years, possessing an ambitious disposition, he acted upon the advice which Horace Greeley gave to young men, to "Go West."

Mr. Lownsbery went to Michigan, and at the breaking out of the Confederate War. enlisted for service in Company F. Third Regiment, Michigan Volunteer Cavalry. . \t the close of the war he went to Arkan- sas, which was then very sparsely inhab- ited, and there engaged in mercantile busi- ness. Later, he became a cotton dealer. and in this venture he secured a very good financial start in the world. He remained in Arkansas for 13 years, and then sold out his business interests and returned to his native State. He entered the wholesale grocery busi- ness at Jamestown, New York, and carried on that business with success for several years. He relinquished the business and retired from active life for awhile, but in 1884 he made a trip to the South. to see the country, and was so impressed with its climate that he resolved to locate in Norfolk. Being offered a tract of 50 acres of land just two miles from the city, he purchased it for $5,000. He then en- gaged in general trucking business on this land, and the first year cleared $2,8on. Five

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History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900, Part 107

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