USA > Virginia > City of Norfolk > City of Norfolk > History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900 > Part 112
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96 | Part 97 | Part 98 | Part 99 | Part 100 | Part 101 | Part 102 | Part 103 | Part 104 | Part 105 | Part 106 | Part 107 | Part 108 | Part 109 | Part 110 | Part 111 | Part 112 | Part 113 | Part 114 | Part 115 | Part 116 | Part 117 | Part 118 | Part 119 | Part 120 | Part 121 | Part 122 | Part 123 | Part 124 | Part 125
J AMES T. HOLLAND, proprietor of a dairy lunch in Norfolk, Virginia, and also justice of the peace of the Fourth Ward of that city, was born in Norfolk, Virginia, December 20, 1863. His parents were J. T. and Aurilla (Heath) Holland. both of whom were born in Isle of Wight County.
J. T. Holland was a house-joiner, and was employed in the Navy Yard for 18 years. He died in 1894, aged 67 years. Both he and his wife were devout members of the Baptist Church. His wife died January 10, 1884, aged 56 years. Of 13 children born to this union, four are now living, as follows : Ros- well S., a painter in the Navy Yard; Annie, who married Mr. Nugent, an oil merchant ; Julia ; and James T .. the subject of this sketch.
James T. Holland attended the public schools of Norfolk and at an early age engaged in the grocery business, at which he worked for three years, and then bought out the dairy lunch business of Mr. Miller. This he has carried on very successfully, becoming well known in the city.
913
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.
MFr. Holland was married. September 12. 1894. to Mary Seares, a native of Norfolk. and a daughter of George and Anna Seares. Mr. Sears was an honored citizen of Norfolk for many years. Mr. Holland and his wife are adherents of the Catholic faith. Mr. Hol- land was elected a member of he City Council several years ago, and was also made chair- man of the cemetery committee, resigning that office because of his election in 1900 to the of- fice of justice of the peace. As such he has served his ward in a most acceptable manner. winning much commendation. Mr. Holland is a member of the Knights of Columbus, and has also been an officer of the Elks lodge for the past two years.
D R. GEORGE H. CARR. Conspicuous among the young men of sterling worth of Norfolk County. Virginia. whose professional work has given him a wide acquaintance in this local- ity. is Dr. George H. Carr of Portsmouth, a rising young physician and surgeon with a good practice and excellent prospects, who is located at No. 610 Court street. He is a na- tive of Portsmouth. and was born May 8, 1875, being a son of George T. and Laura A. ( Williams) Carr. both Virginians by birth. The paternal grandfather came from England and was a man of keen business sagacity. For him the town of Carrsville. Virginia. was named.
George T. Carr, the father, was a locomo- tive engineer by profession, and devoted his life to that vocation. in the employ of the Sea- board Air Line Railway. He was a native of Isle of Wight County, and moved to Ports- mouth in the "fifties." being well and favor- ably known in that city. He passed to the life beyond the grave in 1875. He was a prom- inent member of the I. O. O. F., and took an ac- tive part in its councils. He was united in marriage with Laura A. Williams, a native of
Portsmouth. Her father died at the early age of 23 years. when she was a mere child. She is beloved by all who know her, and has been for many years an honored resident of Ports- mouth. having attained the age of 59 years. After the death of her father, her mother mar- ried again. being united with Henry Hopkins. This marriage was without issue.
Dr. Carr is one of a family of seven chi- (Iren. three of whom are deceased. Those liv- ing. besides the Doctor, are: Lollie: Jerome P .: and Hope M. Lollie married J. D. King. who is deceased. Jerome P. is a prosperous druggist of Portsmouth, where all the surviv- ing members of the family reside with their mother. One daughter. Clara. died at the age of 28 years.
Dr. Carr attended Portsmouth High School. and aferward spent some time in clerking in his brother's drug store, where he also read medicine. While thus employed, he conceived the idea of entering the medical pro- fession. He subsequently became a student in the College of Physicians & Surgeons, of Balti- more. Maryland. After one session he en- tered the medical department of the University of Maryland. and graduated from that insti- tution. April 15. 1896. He passed his exam- ination before the State Medical Board in that year, and began the practice of his chosen pro- fession, as a general practitioner. July 3rd oi the same year, locating at once in his native city. Since that date, he has applied himself energetically and continuously to his profes- sional duties, and has succeeded in building up a very substantial practice.
Dr. Carr is a member of the Seaboard Med- ical Society of Virginia and North Carolina. the Virginia State Medical Society, and the Portsmouth Medical Society. He also affiliates with a number of fraternal organizations, and is medical examiner for some of them. Among these are the Woodmen of the World. the Heptasophs. Mystic Chain. Elks and Endow- ment Rank. Knights of Pythias. He is a valued member of the Portsmouth Business
914
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
Men's Association. From 1896 to 1900, he was city physician of Portsmouth. In politics, he is a Democrat, but takes little interest in political affairs. He has never fallen a vic- tim of Cupid's darts. He holds a membership in Monumental Methodist Episcopal Church, South, with which he united 13 years ago.
ILLIAM H. LAND, a member of the firm of Townsend, Joynes & Company, who conduct a rental agency at No. 227 Main street, Norfolk, Norfolk County, Vir- ginia, was born in Princess Anne County, Vir- ginia. August 30, 1866. He is a son of Ben- nett and Elizabeth F. (Rainey) Land.
Bennett Land, who was born in 1824. was a well-known merchant and farmer of Prin- cess Anne County. He saw much active ser- vice throughout the Confederate War, and was as well known as any man of his regiment,- the 15th Regiment, Virginia Cavalry .- in the Army of Northern Virginia. He was the last member of his company to return home, as he waited until all the generals had surrendered. He received a slight wound at the battle of Fredericksburg. After the war, he returned to the mercantile business at London Bridge. Virginia, and continued in that line of business until about four years before his death, when he retired from active duties. His death oc- curred in 1896. He was a member of the Episcopal Church. His wife. Elizabeth F. (Rainey) Land, was a daughter of John S. Rainey, an old and well-known citizen of Prin- cess Anne County. She was born in 1832, and died in 1897. She was a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church.
William H. Land, whose name heads this sketch was one of nine children, six of whom are living and reside in Norfolk. They are as follows: Bennett, who is in the real estate and auction business : John S., who was form- erly in the wholesale business: William H .: Mary E .: Alice R. and Marguerite.
William H. Land was educated in Prin- cess Anne County, and attended Randolph- Macon College. He engaged in the mercantile business until 1891, when he accepted a posi- tion as bookkeeper, which he retained until 1898, when he purchased an interest in the business, and the firm name is now known as Townsend, Toynes & Company. This is strictly a rental-business firm; they have met with marked success in all their undertakings, and rank as the largest business firm of the kind in Norfolk. They rent property in all the surrounding towns, with the exception of Portsmouth.
Mr. Land was married June 14, 1900, to Fannie Patrick, a native of North Carolina, and a daughter of William H. Patrick, of Washington, in that State. The subject of this sketch and his wife have one child,-Mary Elizabeth. The parents are members of the Protestant Episcopal Church. Mr. Land is a Mason, and is a member of the Blue Lodge Chapter and Commandery, all of Norfolk, and also a member of the I. O. O. F. He is an excellent business man, and is in thorough sympathy with the progress of the community in every line of advancement.
R EV. Z. S. FARLAND is the esteemed rector of St. John's Protestant Epis- copal Church, Portsmouth. Norfolk County. Virginia. He was born in Essex County, Virginia. August 29, 1868, and is a son of Z. S. and Ellen D. (Gor- don) Farland. Z. S. Farland. Sr., was a na- tive of Washington, D. C., and his wife was a native of Essex County, Virginia.
Rev. Z. S. Farland, the subject of this sketch, was educated at William and Mary College, and also attended the theological sem- inary at Alexandria, Virginia. He became as- sistant rector at St. Paul's Protestant Epis- copal Church, in Richmond, after leaving col- lege and served in that capacity for 18 months.
JOHN A. ANDERSON, JR.
917
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.
December 1. 1895. he became rector of St. John's Protestant Episcopal Church, in Port- mouth, and has remained there since that time. A handsome new church was erected on the corner of London and Washington streets, and Rev. Mr. Farland may well be proud of the fact that the membership has more than doubled since he first took charge of the church. He has done much noble work, displaying un- tiring energy and zeal.
He was married, April 27, 1898. Margaret Braidfoot Armistead, a native of Portsmouth. and a daughter of Beverly A. and Laura ( Collins) Armistead. She is a great-grand- daughter of Rev. John Braidfoot, the second rector of Trinity Church, Portsmouth Parish. Rev. Mr. Farland is a member of the Seaboard Lodge. No. 46. A. F. & A. M., of which he is chaplain : of Ocean Council, No. 1063, Royal Arcanum, of which he is also chaplain : and of Atlantic Lodge, No. 24, Knights of Pythias.
OHN A. ANDERSON, JR., a very successful dealer in wall paper, and a decorator and painter by trade, whose portrait accompanies this sketch, pur- sues his business at his store at No. 255 Church street, Norfolk, Virginia, and is known in that city as a progressive, public-spir- ited citizen, who does his part for the welfare of the city. He is a son of John A. and Sarah F. Anderson, both natives of Norfolk County. and was born in Norfolk, April 7, 1875.
John A. Anderson, Sr., is now retired from active business life, enjoying the fruits of his earlier years of industry. He was a general broker for many years, besides being identified with the Norfolk Fire Department. He and his wife are living in Norfolk, where they are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Mr. Anderson is an Elk and a Mason.
John A. Anderson, Jr., was the only child of his parents, and received the best Kind of an education that the schools of his native city, Norfolk, afforded. His education having been completed. he embarked in business for himself. and bought out the stock of 1. W. Coffee. thereby becoming a dealer in wall paper, etc. in which line he has continued with marked success up to the present time, doing much work in Norfolk.
On March 13. 1892. Mr. Anderson was united in marriage with Lillian Midvett, a na- tive of Pasquotank, North Carolina, where she was reared. They have two children,-Thelma P. and Jennielle L. In religious views, Mr. Anderson is an Episcopalian, and his wife is a Methodist.
Mrs. Anderson is descended from one of North Carolina's oldest families .- the Perry family,-who received Perquimans County as a grant from Sir Walter Raleigh, and came from England to this country in the seven- teenth century. In that county is a burial ground of about two acres, in which only the Perrys, or members of the Perry family, are buried. Mrs. Anderson is a daughter of John S. and Delphina Midyett, both of whom are de- ceased. The father followed agricultural pur- suits and was also a fisherman in North Caro- lina; he departed this life in September, 1887. at the age of 40 years. He and his wife had a number of children, two of whom still sur- vive. namely, Margaret L., the wife of V. P. Jones of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Mrs. John A. Anderson, Jr., wife of the subject of this sketch.
Mr. Anderson has a fine tenor voice, and holds an important place among the singers at St. Paul's ' Protestant Episcopal Church; he also sings in the choir of the Central Methodist Episcopal Church, South, at Portsmouth, and participates in the services at the Synagogue. Mr. Anderson is a man of great industry, and is held in high esteem in the community, of which he is a prominent and worthy member.
918
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
D R. J. G. RIDDICK, who is probably the oldest practicing physician of Norfolk, Virginia, and one of the best known in the community, was born in Sussex County, Virginia, June 10, 1861. His parents were Rev. James A. and Judith A. (Gregory) Riddick.
Rev. Mr. Riddick was born in North Caro- lina, and for over 50 years was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Conference of Vir- ginia. He filled many pulpits, and did much noble work during his lifetime. He reached the advanced age of 90 years, and departed this life in 1900, his death being deeply felt throughout the community in which he resided. His wife, a native of Virginia, and a sister of W. F. C. Gregory, of Petersburg, Virginia, was a devout member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, South, and always assisted her husband in religious work. Of nine children born to them. six are now living.
J. G. Riddick, the subject of this sketch, was educated at McCabe's school in Peters- burg, and graduated from the literature de- partment of Randolph-Macon College. Later he studied medicine at the College of Physi- cians and Surgeons in Baltimore, Maryland, from which institution he was graduated in 1883. He at once began the practice of his profession in Norfolk, and very soon worked up a practice which has always spoken well for his ability and knowledge of his profession. He has a large general practice, and belongs to many medical associations. Among them are the Norfolk Medical Society; American Med- ical Association: Virginia State Medical So- ciety ; and the Tidewater Medical Association. He was health officer of Norfolk for a number of years, and was a member of the Board of Health in that city. He is also on the physi- cian's staff at Hospital St. Vincent de Paul.
Dr. Riddick was united in marriage with Sallie Yates Councill, a daughter of Rev. James G. Councill. Rev. Mr. Councill is a minister of the Baptist Church, and is now filling a pulpit near Alexandria, Virginia. Mrs.
Riddick is a graduate of the Hollins Institute of Virginia, and taught in private schools for some time. Dr. Riddick and his wife have two children, namely : Anna Ruth ; and Judith Gregory. Mrs. Riddick is a Baptist, while her husband is a member of the Epworth Methodist Episcopal Church, South. He is a member of the Masonic order; Knights of Pythias; Red Men; and is a director in the Traders & Truckers' Bank of Norfolk.
Dr. Diddick has always been influential in assisting all public enterprises which tend to- ward the advancement of Norfolk, and is well and favorably known throughout the county.
ILLIAM B. WILDER, who is the proprietor of a job-printing estab- lishment in Portsmouth, Norfolk County, Virginia, was born in Elizabeth City, Pasquotank Coun- ty, North Carolina, March 27, 1853. His pa- rents were George M. and Martha S. Wilder.
George M. Wilder was a native of Ver- mont. He settled in the South in 1830, and taught in an academy for some time. He died in 1864, and his death was sincerely mourned by all who knew him. He and his wife were Methodists. Our subject is the oldest of four children born to this union, three of whom are living.
William B. Wilder received his mental training at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, under his father's tutorship. After completing the course at Chapel Hill, he became a page in the House of Representatives at Washington, and served in that capacity for five years. There were 23 pages in the House at that time. He learned the printer's business at Elizabeth City, North Carolina, after which he removed to Portsmouth, in 1876. He was employed on the Portsmouth Enterprise for some, and later on the Portsmouth Times. He became business manager of that paper and part own- er. Subsequently, he established a job-print-
919
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.
ing establishment, which he has conducted ever since. He sold his interest in the Portsmouth Times to J. H. Wilcox. Subsequently, he es- tablished the Portsmouth Star, together wtih P. C. Trugien, to whom he sold his interest. Mr. Wilder then bought an interest in the Pilot, and became business manager of that paper. He remained in that position for one vear, when he sold out his interest. Although he was actively engaged in these enterprises. he did not discontinne his job-printing work. but after relinquishing his interest in the Pilot, he devoted himself entirely to his present work. He does a large amount of job printing, re- ceiving orders from many of the near-by towns.
Mr. Wilder was married. in May, 1879. to Miss E. J. Richards, a daughter of Elisha and Phoebe D. Richards, and a native of New Jer- sey. They have one son .- Fred Maurice, who is a clothing salesman with John A. Morris. Mr. Wilder and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, in which Mr. Wilder has been a steward for 20 years. He takes a deep interest in the Prohibition party, but votes the Democratic ticket when there is no Prohibition candidate. He is one of the most influential and progressive busi- ness men of Portsmouth, honest and upright in character, and honored and loved by all.
R EV. A. C. THOMSON is rector of Trinity Protestant Episcopal Church, Portsmouth. Norfolk County, Vir- ginia. He was born in Fredericks- Burg, Spottsylvania County. Virginia. April 16. 1871, and is a son of Elliott H. and Jeanette R. (Conover) Thomson.
Rev. Mr. Thomson's father is the archdca- con of the diocese of Shanghai, China, having, been in that country, with intervals in which he made trips to America, for 43 years. He was educated at the University of Virginia, and also attended a theological seminary at
AAlexandria. Virginia, from which he was grad- nated in 1859. In the class was Bishop Phil- lips Brooks. He married Jeanette R. Conover. a daughter of William P. Conover, of Phila- delphia. The subject of this sketch was one of five children born of this union, of whom three were born in China. Mrs. A. P. Thorn- ton is deceased. and Frank D. is general man- ager of the Lackawanna Iron & Steel Works, for the United States Steel Corporation.
Rev. A. C. Thomson went to Cheltenham Academy, near Philadelphia, and later attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he took the degree of A. B. He pursued a theological course at the theological seminary at Alex- dria, Virginia, from which he graduated with the degree of B. D. He took up his life's work at Tappahannock. Virginia, where he re- mained for two years, and afterward accepted the rectorship of the Church of the Resurrec- tion, at Cincinnati, Ohio. While there he built a rectory and for four years enjoyed a highly successful pastorate. In December, 1899. he accepted the rectorship of Trinity Protestant Episcopal Church in Portsmouth, Norfolk County, and since then has filled that pulpit in a most acceptable manner, winning for himself much praise for his worthiness and ability. Rev. Mr. Thomson spent 13 years of his life in China, and speaks the Chinese language with fluency. He is a deep student and a man of scholarly attainments, speaking many lan- guages, and being conversant with all the im- portant topics of the day. He has traveled widely, having crossed the Atlantic six times, made two trips around the world, and visited almost every country and clime.
In November, 1893. Rev. Mr. Thomson was married to Mary G. Fitzhugh, a daughter of Captain Fitzhugh, formerly of General Pickett's staff, and later judge of the Circuit Court in San Francisco. Captain Fitzhugh's wife was Ann Grayson of Loudoun County, Virginia. Rev. Mr. Thomson is a Mason, hav- ing taken the 32d degree in that order. He takes an interest in the welfare of those who re-
920
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
side in his community, and quickly lends his support to any worthy enterprise which tends to the advancement of the people of Norfolk County.
OHN W. WOOD, who is street inspec- tor of Portsmouth, Norfolk County, Virginia, was born in that city, Feb- ruary 8, 1842. His parents were William D. and Sarah (Gaskins) Wood.
William D. Wood was born in 1794, and followed the trade of ship-carpenter all his life. He was a private in the War of 1812. His wife afterwards received a pension for his ser- vices in that war. He was one of the pioneer settlers of the county, and was well and favor- ably known. He was a member of the Ports- mouth Rifle Company, which was organized October 29, 1792.
John W. Wood, whose name opens these lines, attended the public schools of Ports- mouth, and learned the trade of a ship-car- penter, working in the Navy Yard. He was apprenticed to the United States government when the Confederate War opened. He en- listed June 13, 1861, in the Portsmouth Rifle Company, which became Company G. 9th Regiment, Virginia Infantry. Armistead's Brigade, Pickett's Division, and served exactly four years. He took part in all the engage- ments of the regiment until captured at Sailor's Creek, Virginia, April 6, 1865. He then went to Point Lookout prison, where he remained until June 13, 1865. After the close of the war he worked at his trade, that of a ship-car- penter. and July 1. 1875, was elected street in- spector. He has held that office for 27 years, a longer period than any man in the State has ever filled it. He employs his workmen with care and consideration for obtaining the best service for the money. He is a good manager, and has served in the office of inspector with much credit to himself and those who employ him.
Mr. Wood was married November 20, 1879, to Rebecca J. Godfrey, a native of Ports- . mouth, and a daughter of John and Rosanna Godfrey, both long since deceased. Mrs. Wood is a member of Monumental Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Mr. Wood is a ge- nial, courteous and hospitable man, of the true Virginia type. He is deeply interested in horti- culture. and takes much pride in his green- house and lawn. Mr. Wood is one of Ports- mouth's most esteemed citizens, and his friends are many.
€ DWARD B. WILKINS, a well-known contractor and builder of Ports- mouth, Norfolk County, Virginia, was born in Pleasant Grove district, Norfolk County, February 25, 1856. His parents were Edward N. and Abigail A. ( Murray) Wilkins. His grandfather, Col. John Wilkins, took part in the War of 1812, and his great-grandfather served in the Revo- lutionary War.
Edward N. Wilkins was a farmer and merchant, and followed these occupations all his life. He died at the age of 66 years, and his wife died. in 1871, aged 49 years. Both were members of the Goodhope Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Their children were as follows: J. W., who is engaged in the furniture business in Portsmouth ; Edward B., the subject of this sketch; Anna A., who lives in Portsmouth : James, who died in 1871 ; and W. W., who is engaged in the produce business in Portsmouth.
Edward B. Wilkins attended the country schools of Norfolk County, and at an early age began to learn the trade of a carpenter. In 1891, he started into business for himself, and since that time has secured many large con- tracts for the erection of public buildings and private homes. Most of his work is in Ports- mouth. He thoroughly understands his busi- ness, his work is first class in every respect, and
EDWARD OVERMAN.
923
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.
he is considered one of the best contractors in Norfolk County.
Mr. Wilkins was married. December 23. 1891, to lda Blanche Tyree, a daughter of .1. HI. and Elizabeth Ann Tyree, and a native of Richmond, Virginia. Her parents were also natives of Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Wilkins have one adopted chid, whose name is Ellis. Both are members of the Park View Methodist Episcopal Church, South, Mr. Wilkins being one of its trustees. He is a member of Sea- side Lodge. No. So. K. of P., of Portsmouth.
EORGE G. MARTIN, city attorney of Berkley, Norfolk County, Virginia. was born August 8, 1869, in Norfolk County, and is a son of Col. James Green Martin, who was one of the prominent lawyers of Norfolk for a number of years.
Colonel Martin was a native of Norfolk County. He studied law, and became one of the leading advocates in this section of Vir- ginia. He was a member of the Virginia Leg- islature before the breaking out of the Confed- erate War. He was opposed to secession and was elected from Norfolk County on that issue, but when Virginia seceded from the Union he gave his services to his State, enlisting in Cooper's Cavalry. His death occurred in 1880, at the age of 51 years. He married Mrs. Bettie Love Martin, nec Gresham, who was born in Norfolk County in 1837. She is now living in Berkley. To them were born six children. namely: Alvah H., who is clerk of the Nor- folk County Court ; Maud, who married S. W. Lyons, and is living in Berkley, her husband being county treasurer ; James T .. William B. and Love, all three deceased; and George G.
George G. Martin, whose name heads this sketch, attended Randolph-Macon College. He took a course of law at the University of Vir- ginia, and was admitted to the bar in 1892. He commenced practice at once, opening an office 46
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.