History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900, Part 108

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 108

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HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY

years later he sold the same tract of land for $15,000, and since that time it has again been sold for $30,000. After the sale of this land, he removed to Norfolk proper, where he be- came one of the promoters of East Bramble- ton, and now owns 86 lots there. He was one of the promoters of Villa Heights, owning one- eleventh of the suburb. Two street car lines connect Villa Heights and Norfolk, and the pretty little suburban town is steadily growing. It is well graded, and is thoroughly modern in all its improvements. About 700 trees have been set out. Besides the property which Mr. Lownsbery owns in East Brambleton and Villa Heights, he is possessed of one-seventh of the Miller tract of land of 72 acres on the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River, and of a large amount of city property. Mr. Lownsbery has seen the population of Norfolk double, and has done mnuch to assist in the progress and development of the city. He is one of Norfolk's best capitalists,, and is inter- ested in many enterprises in that city. He is a stockholder in the knitting mills.

Mr. Lownsbery is possessed of extraordin- ary business ability and good judgment. Naturally persevering and energetic, he has pushed on to success with a will, and is con- sidered one of the most capable business men of Norfolk. He is a Mason.

OHN H. CORE, a respected and hon- ored resident of Norfolk, Virginia, whose business associations identify him with the leading real estate inter- ests in that thriving community, is a well-known agriculturist. For many years he has made a specialty of stock raising, dealing especially in thoroughbred hogs, which he was among the first to introduce in Norfolk County. Mr. Core was born in Bellehaven, Acco- mack County, Virginia. November 12, 1838. and is a son of, William .H., and Margaret * s(Wilkins) Core. He was reared in his native

county, where he obtained his primary educa- tion in the public schools. This was supple- mented by a more complete course in Ran- dolph-Macon College. He also took a special law course in Norfolk, Virginia. After all these preparations, however, he chose instead, a mercantile life in Norfolk, where he asso- ciated himself with George J. Thomas, engag- ing in the wholesale grocery trade under the firm name of Thomas Core. This firm con- ducted a large and prosperous business until 1875, when the partnership was dissolved by the death of his partner.

Mr. Core enlisted, in 1861, as a corporal in the Confederate Army in Company G, 6th Regiment, Virginia Infantry. He assisted in the capture of Fort Norfolk, and participated in the battle at Drewry's Bluff. Returning to Richmond, he was detached from his regiment on account of sickness, but in November, 1862, he was able to again enter the service, and joined the famous Mosby troop, in which he served throughout the war ; he is at the present time a valued member of the Mosby Camp.

About 1876, Mr. Core purchased land and engaged in general farming and truck and stock raising. As the years passed by, he de- voted more attention to the last named feature, especially to hogs, paying as high as $75 for a pair of thoroughbred pigs. He made a great success of this branch of farming, and raised only the best breeds. He prospered to such an extent that he was soon the owner of 375 acres in Princess Anne County, and 100 acres in Norfolk County.

Mr. Core continued farming quite exten- sively up to 1883, when he sold his land in Princess Anne County, but still owns the 100 acres in Norfolk. This tract lies directly northwest of Ghent, and is very valuable real estate. At the option of the owner, it will be converted into building lots, and in this way may be made to yield enormous profits.

Mr. Core was united in marriage with Martha Tarrant, a daughter of Capt. William Tarrant, a well-known citizen of Norfolk

JOHN WILLIS BIDGOOD.

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County. Although he has personally superin- tended the farms accumulated by his good management and correct methods, Mr. Core has not been too busy to take a fitting interest in municipal affairs. He has served the city as a magistrate, and as president of the Board of Health, and is justly considered one of Nor- folk's leading and most progressive citizens.

R ICHARD B. TAYLOR, attorney-at- law, is a member of the well-known firm of Tunis & Taylor, with offices in the Taylor Building at No. 308 Main street. He was born in Northamp- ton. Virginia, January 20, 1874, and is a scion of a distinguished Virginia family. His pa- ternal great grandfather was Gen. Robert Bar- raud Taylor, who enjoyed a wide reputation as soldier, lawyer and judge,-he was a gen- eral in the American Army during the war with England in 1812, and for many years was a prominent judge of the Circuit Court. On the maternal side of the family. Mr. Taylor is a grandson of Judge Richard H. Baker, a man of great prominence in his day, who suc- ceeded Judge Robert Barraud Taylor on the Circuit Court bench.

It was the success of the eminent jurists from whom he is descended that influenced Richard B. Taylor to enter the legal profes- sion. He completed a course of study in the Episcopal High School, near Alexandria, and during 1891-1892 attended the academic de- partment of the University of Virginia. He then' entered the law department of the latter institution, and was shortly afterward ad- belief. mitted to the bar at Norfolk. During the following nine months he gained valuable ex- perience in the law-office of his uncle, Richard H. Baker. He then practiced alone until Jan- uary 1, 1899, when he became associated with Matt M. Tunis, under the firm name of Tunis & Taylor,a partnership which has since ex- isted. He is attorney for the South Norfolk

Company, and the Tunis Lumber Company of Berkley.

In politics, Mr. Taylor has always been enthusiastic in his support of the Democratic party, although he has never aspired to political preferment, nor would he accept of office other than one in the line of his profession. He was united in marriage with Grace Eyre, a daugh- ter of Severn Eyre of Baltimore, and they have one daughter, Margaret Eyre. Fratern- ally. Mr. Taylor is a member of Delta Kappa Epsilon, a college society.

OHN WILLIS BIDGOOD, a prominent truck farmer of Norfolk County, Vir- ginia, whose portrait is shown on a preceding page, comes of a well- known family of the county. He was horn on the old Bidgood homestead in Norfolk County March 31, 1847, and is a son of C. E. and Elizabeth S. Bidgood. The family descent is traceable to three brothers bearing that name, who came to this country before the Revolu- tionary War. After the close of that great struggle, one of the brothers settled in Nanse- mond County, Virginia, and from him is the subject of this sketch descended.

C. E. Bidgood was born in Norfolk County, Virginia. September 4, 1825. and died October 24. 1900. His wife, who was born December 23. 1827, died September 19, 1867. They reared six children. namely : John Willis: C. M. : Thomas A. : Dr. Vincent C. ; Nathaniel B. ; and Anna J. The father was a farmer by oc- cupation and lived in Norfolk County all of his life. He was a Democrat in his political

John Willis Bidgood went to school until the outbreak of the Confederate War, and after its close attended Columbian College. In 1869 he returned home and.in 1870 went to Mem- phis, Tennessee, where he was engaged in. the merchandise business for a period of five years. He has since been engaged in truck farming and has met with deserved success.

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HISTORY OF. NORFOLK. COUNTY

In 1875 Mr. Bidgood was united in mar- riage with Florence S. Gary, who was born in Nansemond County, Virginia, June 2, 1846, and is a daughter of William R. Gary and Elizabeth S. Riddick, his wife. Six children have been born to them, namely: William G .; Elizabetlı B .; Fanita; Sumner; and John Wil- lis, Jr., and Margaret L., both deceased. Fra- ternally Mr. Bidgood is a member of the Ma- sonic order and the Knights of Pythias. He is a Democrat is politics, whilst in religious at- tachment he is a Baptist.

ILLIAM H. ROBINSON, who is chief engineer of the Atlantic Pump House, of Atlantic City Ward, Norfolk, Norfolk County, Virginia, was born in Wilmington, Delaware, in 1849.

In Wilmington, Mr. Robinson was reared and schooled, and it was there that he mastered the art of engineering. He has been a sta- tionary engineer for the past 32 years, and in this line he has been very successful. He has served with many large firms, such as Hollin & Hollinsworth; Mccullough Iron Works; Beggs & Olman; Pullman's Palace Car Com- pany; and Willis Singley Pulp Works. In 1899, he removed to Atlantic City, or the Sixth Ward of Norfolk, to become engineer of the Atlantic Pump House. Ten years previous to that time, the citizens of Atlantic City had erected a sewer pump-house 36 by 36 feet in dimensions, which was enlarged in 1901. It has a 20-horse-power engine and boiler, and an extra 50-horse-power engine and boiler have been lately added. One is a Wells engine, and the other a Morrison, and there are two cen- tripetal pumps, one of which pumps 4,000,000 gallons per 24 hours, and the other 5,000,000 gallons. There is a receiving well 20 feet deep and 10 feet in diameter, which drains all of the Sixth Ward. This is assisted by the pump- house at the corner of Ward avenne and Duke

street. The smoke-stack is of terra-cotta brick, and is 80 feet high. In the same build- ing with the pump-house, is the police station of Atlantic City Ward. Mr. Robinson is as- sisted very ably by Frank Norton and William F. Thornton, on Colley avenue, and at Ward avenue and Duke street, by William Humph- rey and Joseph Walters. He is held in high esteem by his employers and much confidence is placed in his ability as an engineer. In 1874 Mr. Robinson was united in marriage to Maria L. Ward, a native of Chester County, Pennsyl- vania. There were three children, namely : Winfield, deceased: Charles H., a cigar manu- facturer of Norfolk; and Mary A., who resides at home.

Mr. Robinson is a member of Colley Mem- orial Presbyterian Church, and has been as- sistant superintendent of the Young People's Society of Atlantic City for a number of years. He is a man of honest, upright character, and his friends are many.

G OHN LESNER, ex-sheriff of Norfolk County, Virginia, has for many years been one of the most active and in- fluential citizens of Norfolk. He was born in Germany in 1839, and is a son of Philip Lesner.

John Lesner attended the public schools of his native town. and early in life learned the trade of a tailor. In 1860, he came to Amer- ica, landing in Virginia. He worked at the trade of a tailor for some time, carrying on that business until 1870, when, through his ac- tive spirit in political affairs, he was elected deputy sheriff to Sheriff W. L. Kent. Three years later, owing to his capability, he was made sheriff of Norfolk County, and was re- elected to that office for four consecutive terms. He faithfully discharged his duties, and served in the capacity of sheriff with great acceptabil- ity to all who were concerned. Since that time, he has filled many offices, among them that of collector and assessor on the Board of

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Supervisors : he was chairman of the building. committee during the construction of the steamer "Portsmouth."

In 1867, Mr. Lesner bought a block of land on Church street, which was known as Huntersville. He built a house on the land, and laid out a park. This soon became sor popular that he added to it a "zoo." laid out walks and planted shade trees, also erecting a high fence around the park. On July 23, 1885. he built a beautiful entrance to this park; on Church street, and made a trip to Germany. where he purchased an orchestral organ, the finest which has ever been brought into the State of Virginia. This organ now stands in Mr. Lesner's reception hall in his own home. and represents many hundred dollars of cost. He expended $25,000 in beautifying this gar- den, which became known as "Lesner's Maple- wood Garden." It was a beautiful garden. and was visited by many hundred people. A few years ago this garden was sold, or at least, a part of the grounds, which is occupied by a. brewery. On the rest of the land Mr. Lesner, has built several homes, which he owns and. rents. He has made many trips to his native country, in which he was accompanied by his family.

children are: Edward, who enlisted in the Spanish-Americar War, served at Santiago. in Company A 16th Regiment. Virginia In- · fantry, U. S. V., and is now in the hospital department in the Philippines: Frederick : Charles : Ruth : and Amy.

canum, and I. O. O. F. lodges. Ile has done mich to assist in the development and growth of Norfolk, and is possessed of more than or- dinary business ability. Ile stands high in the community, and is esteemed and respected by all who come in contact with him.

OHN T. WILLIAMSON, a retired contractor and builder of Norfolk. Norfolk County, Virginia, was born in Princess Anne County, Virginia, in 1830. He is a son of Abel and Mary ( Williamson) Williamson, and a grandson of Abel Williamson.

Abel Williamson, Jr., was a shoemaker by trade, and came to Norfolk in 1855. The siege of yellow fever persuaded him to return to Princess Anne County. He suffered from deafness, and in his 76th year he was struck by a load of lumber on a tramway, which caused instant death. He married Mary Will- iamson, a daughter of Caleb Williamson of Princess Anne County.

John T. Williamson, the subject of this sketch, was reared in his native county, and at the age of 16 years was apprenticed to John Whitehurst, to learn the trade of a carpenter He has been twice married, first to Matilda Killman, a daughter of James Killman. She lied at the age of 35 years. Their children were: James, who is engaged in railroad business in Pennsylvania : John, who is general agent for the Consumers' Brewing Company. and president of the Builders' Manufacturing Company : and William, who is associated with the Anheuser-Busch Brewing Association. Mr. Lesner married, secondly, Margaret Rehling, and builder. In 1861, he enlisted in the Nor- folk Juniors, and was taken prisoner twice during the war. He served with gallantry and distinction throughout the conflict. He settled in Norfolk, and in 1870 built the first building in what is now known as Brambleton. This was a store and residence for James E. Moore. The building was burned some years later. Ilis first residence was erected for F. Richardson, who laid out the suburb of Bram- a daughter of John Rehling of Norfolk. Their . bleton. In 1884, he built the city school house on Cumberland street, in 1800, the city alms- house, and many other prominent public build- ings and private homes. He met with much success in his career, and was able to retire from active business duties in 1894. He was greatly missed in his profession, as his work-

M+. Lesner is a member of the Royal Ar- manship was always of the highest order.

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HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY

Mr. Williamson married Mary F. White- hurst, a daughter of John Whitehurst. She died in 1899, aged 69 years. Three children, who were born of this union, are deceased. They were named,-Everett, John and Robert. Those living are as follows: Mrs. Sarah God- frey : Robert A., a contractor and builder ; Broxton O., also a contractor and builder ; Laura : Tunstall, a carpenter ; and Minnie.

Mr. Williamson has been a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows since 1859. He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias, and Knights of Honor. Religiously, he is a member of the Baptist Church, and has served for many years as deacon, and as treasurer of a society in the church.

EBELON B. CAPPS, a well-known contractor and builder, at No. 801 Tunstall avenne, Norfolk, Norfolk County, Virginia, was born in Prin- cess Anne County, Virginia. April 26, 1865. He is a son of Dennis and Ann (Davis) Capps.

Dennis Capps was born in Princess Anne County, as was his wife. He was a farmer all his life, and was one of the prominent farm- ers of that county. His death occurred in 1869, at the age of 45 years. His wife died December 25, 1897, after having lived 63 years. Seven children resulted from this union, whose names are as follows: George- anna, the wife of George Miller, a farmer of Princess Anne County; Dennis, deceased ; Lizzie, the wife of J. C. Whitehurst, also of that county: Josephine, who married $. D. Burgess, of Princess Anne County ; Jolin W .; Zebelon B., the subject of this sketch; and Charlie, who died, aged 13 years.

Zebelon B. Capps lost his father when he was but four years old, and at a very early age he was obliged to begin work for himself. When it was possible he attended school in his niative county, but lie received only a very lin-

ited education. He was put to work for the small remuneration of $24 per year, and for five years was on the water in battery shoot- ing. He then learned the trade of a carpen- ter and builder, in mastering which he spent about five years ; in 1889 he moved to Norfolk, where he has since resided. He soon became well known as a contractor and builder, and many of the most substantial buildings in Nor- folk are the result of his work. He erected the eight-room school building in the First Ward, and also one in the Fourth Ward. He built the large drug store near the bridge, on the Norfolk side of Ghent, and also many resi- dences in that suburb, notably : Mr. Malbon's. Mr. Johnston's, Mrs. B. Johnston's and others. He often employs a large number of workmen to assist him. Mr. Capps has won splendid recognition for his excellent work, and is one of the enterprising business men of Norfolk.

He married. November 17, 1889, Nettie Harrison, a native of Princess Anne County. She is a daughter of William T. Harrison, who died in 1899. Mrs. Harrison makes her home with her daughter and son-in-law. Mrs. Capps is the youngest of two living children. -her brother, Henry A., being a farmer in Princess Anne County. Mr. and Mrs. Capps are members of the Queen Street Methodist Episcopal Church, South, in which Mr. Capps is league chorister. He is a member of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics. Mr. Capps is a self-made man, and possessed of many manly attributes of character and mind.

R ICHARD P. BUNTING, ex-sheriff of Norfolk County, Virginia, was for many years a successful business man `of Portsmouth, his native city. He is now filling the office of justice of the peace in an able and satisfactory manner, being located at Cottage Place, Virginia ave- nue. Mr. Bunting was born September 21. 1858, and is a son of Richard P. and Virginia

THOMAS W. BUTT.

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A. (Diggs) Bunting, both parents being Vir- ginians by birth.

Richard P. Bunting, the father, was a very prominent man during his life, and was well known and honored by the citizens in Nor- folk County and its vicinity. During his en- tire life he followed the occupation of a ma- chinist. At one time he was customs officer at Old Point Comfort, and served thus for six or eight years. He was later elected sheriff of Elizabeth City County, in which position he served four years. He was a Mason of high degree, being a Knight Templar, and al- ways took an active part in Masonry. He de- parted this life. at the age of 55 years, in July. 1889. His wife was, before marriage, Vir- ginia A. Diggs, a daughter of William and Mary A. Diggs, a family well known and of some prominence in Portsmouth. Her death took place in July, 1887. two years previous to the demise of her husband. The subject of this sketch was one of a family of five chil- dren, and he and his sister, Rosa L., now Mrs. L. W. Codd. are the only ones now living, the others having died while very young. L. W. Codd is deputy sheriff of Norfolk County, and is serving his third term in that office.

The Pittsfield ( Massachusetts) schools were the source of Mr. Bunting's mental train- ing : following this he immediately engaged in the grocery and liquor business in his own name. For 16 years he continued in this busi- ness. and was fairly successful. During this time he served in the position of United States ganger of liquor for Norfolk and Portsmouth. In 1887 he was elected by a majority of over 1,100 votes to the office of sheriff. defeating a candidate who had held the office for 17 years. During his term of four years he was ever faithful to his duties. One man, Henry Coleman, was hanged under his supervision as sheriff. Since then he was interested in the real estate business until 1899. when he was elected justice of the peace, and so great was the public satisfaction during his first term as

such that he was elected a second time, and his term will not expire until June 30. 1903.

Mr. Bunting chose for his wife Emily F. Lawrence, a native of Portsmouth, and a daughter of the late John O. Lawrence, of that city, who served as postmaster and mayor dur- ing his busy life, and was of much promi- nence. Four children have been born to this union, as follows: Guy J., Emily V .. R. Paul and Lawrence W. Mrs. Bunting is a very active member of the Park View Methodist Episcopal Church, South.

Socially, the subject of this sketch is a valued member of the Business Men's AAssoci- ation of Portsmouth, and in fraternal circles he affiliates with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows, the Improved Order of Red Men and the Knights of Pythias .- being cap- tain of Atlantic Company, Uniform Rank, and past chancellor of Portsmouth Lodge, No. 16. Mr. Bunting takes a very decided interest in politics.

HOMAS W. BUTT, whose portrait is shown on the opposite page, is one of the progressive and substantial farmers residing south of Berkley, in Norfolk County, Virginia. He was born near Great Bridge. Norfolk County. Vir- ginia. February 14, 1848. and is a son of Henry Butt.

Henry Butt was born in Norfolk County and always followed the occupation of a farmer. He married Mary .\. Old, who was also a native of this county, and they reared the following children: Frank and Mary E .. de- ceased: Frederick, a farmer residing near Great Bridge : Henry, who lives on a farm near Great Bridge: and Thomas W .. the subject of this biographical record.

Thomas W. Butt attended school at Elbow, Virginia, and was reared on his father's farm until the latter's death in 1857. He was but 13 years of age when the Confederate War

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HISTORY, OF NORFOLK COUNTY

broke out and was left, at home in charge of the farm. He resided on the home place 'until 1868, then located on a farm of his own near Great Bridge, on which he lived and farmed successfully until 1894. He then purchased his present farm of 225 acres, which he de- votes to general farming and trucking. He also raises some stock and is a contractor. He lias a comfortable three-story house of nine rooms, located on his farm, and everything about the place has an air of system and neat- ness, which indicates capable management and prosperity. His farm is what is known as the Keys Hawksey land.

December 21. 1900, Mr. Butt was joined in marriage with Eugenia T. Portlock, who was born in Norfolk County, and they have a son, William P. In politics Mr: Butt is a Democrat. He is a member of Berkley Lodge, B. P. O. E. Religiously he and his wife belong to Providence Christian Church.

C. FLETCHER, who is inspector of plumbing at the City Hall in Ports- mouth, Norfolk County, Virginia, was born in Washington County, Virginia, December 6. 1861. His parents were John and Louisa M. (Hyslop) Fletcher, the father a native of Washington, D. C., and the mother a native of Virginia.

John Fletcher, the father of J. C., was a ship-carpenter during his active life. He is now an honored and respected resident of Portsmouth, and is 72 years of age. His wife died a number of years ago. Five children were born to this union, namely: Mary E., deceased, who married George Meshler, of Portsmouth. and died, leaving two children,- Mary and Ida ; Charles B. Fletcher, who is a carpenter in the United States Navy Yard in Portsmouth; Anna, the wife of T. B. Tyler, who lives in Newport News; J. C., the subject of this sketch : and Robert T.

J. C. Fletcher attended the public schools

of Portsmouth, and learned his trade of plumbing and gas-fitting with Alexander & Powell, the oldest firm of the kind in the city. He worked for that firm for 12 years, and in the Navy Yard until 1896, assuming his pres- ent position in August of that year. He was appointed to the position of inspector of plumb- ing by the City Council, and has filled it in a most acceptable manner. He has a thorough understanding of his work, and is a most effici- ent and capable man.

Mr. Fletcher is a member of the Knights of Pythias and Ocean Council, No. 1063, Royal Arcanum, of Portsmouth. He is very well known in Portsmouth, where he has a host of friends.

m B. CROWELL. general agent for the Old Dominion Steamship Company, who has his head- quarters at Norfolk, Virginia, is a native of Ohio. There he was reared and educated, removing to Newport News, Virginia, in . 1881, when a movement was begun there to build up that town. He was the first postmaster of Newport News, and filled that office with great acceptability. When there was business enough to justify a small steamer touching that port he was appointed agent for the Old Dominion Steamship Com- pany, and has been connected with that com- pany ever since. He remained in Newport News until 1894, when he removed to Norfolk, assuming the agency of the Old Dominion Steamship Company there.

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History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900, Part 108

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