USA > Virginia > City of Norfolk > City of Norfolk > History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900 > Part 122
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his calling, and perceiving that Norfolk had before it a great future, with fine opportunities for interested capitalists to invest in real es- tate, he went to work diligently and has since won the confidence and esteem of a large cir- cle of acquaintances, and made some of the best sales on record. He has handled much property in Park Place, Virginia Place, River View, Ghent, Sewell's Point, Lambert's Point. Williamson's Addition, and other places, starting in while many of these subur- ban places were only cornfields. His main ef- fort has been to improve them, and to sell to men who would build and make all the modern improvements. These places now boast of fine streets, walks, shade trees, etc. Besides these subdivisions, Mr. Creecy has also han- dled agricultural land in the county, especially for market-gardening purposes. He has also sold and handled much property for Norfolk proper, for instance, the Norfolk College, which is to be rebuilt as the Granby Hotel, and also the Atlantic Hotel. He is now de- veloping a large area of mineral lands in both Halifax County, Virginia, and in North Car- olina.
Mr. Creecy as one of the originators of the American Real Estate Company. Although a very active citizen, he has never aspired to the honors of public office.
P ETER ALEXANDER AGELASTO. attorney-at-law of Norfolk, Virginia, was born at Bombay, India, Febru- ary 14, 1868, of Greek ancestry. He came to Virginia with his parents in 1881, and settled in Norfolk. He was edu- cated at the University of Virginia, from the law department of which he was graduated in the spring of 1888. After his graduation he went abroad for about a year. Early in 1889 he began in Norfolk, the practice of his chosen profession, in which he is still engaged. He has leen very successful, having built up a good
practice and gained a creditable standing at the bar. He is a man of scholarly attainments, and is progressive in all his ideas.
Mr. Agelasto does not belong to any fra- ternal organizations. His parents and two brothers also reside in Norfolk.
5 ENRY O. BILLUPS, who is a butcher, with place of business at stall No. 26, City Market, Norfolk, Virginia, was born in Mathews County, Virginia, in 1858. He is a son of Frank S. Bill- ups, who was a merchant of Norfolk many years ago, and is now living in that city in re- tirement.
Mr. Billups grew to manhood in his native county, and attended the district schools of that time. In 1875, he came to Norfolk, where he served as an apprentice boy to Thomas Win- ingder. At that time Mr. Winingder was locat- ed at the old City Market, in stalls Nos. 29-31, and all animals were slaughtered on the home place. Mr. Billups soon learned all the partic- ulars of the business, and worked for Mr. Win- ingder nine years and seven months. He then entered into partnership with P. B. William- son, the firm name being Williamson & Billups, and their shop was in stall Nos. 18-20 at the old City Market. When the new City Market was opened in October, 1893, Mr. Billups se- cured one of the best stalls and was one of the first occupants of the new building. In 1896. he began business alone, and his trade is on the increase. He keeps only the best of meats, and his prompt and courteous attention wins for him much patronage. His shop is open from 4 A. M. to 12 P. M.
He was married to Mary W. Harris, a daughter of Hunter Harris, of North Caro- lina. They have two children, namely : Harry E .; and George M. Mr. Billups is a member of the following fraternal organizations : Knights of Pythias; Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Improved Order of Red Men ;
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Woodmen of the World; Knights of the Mac- cabees : National Union ; Benevolent and Pro- tective Order of Elks; and Modern Puritans. He is what may be termed a self-made man, and is possessed of good business ability, and many sterling qualities.
MOS JOHNSTON ACKISS, who is engaged in the practice of law in Norfolk, also holds the office of Com- monwealth's attorney in Princess Anne County. Virginia. He is a young man of unusual ability, and has made a success in his profession. He was born at Princess Anne Court House, Virginia, Au- gust 31, 1871, and is descended from one of the earliest settlers of Lower Norfolk County.
Caleb Lamont Ackiss, the grandfather of Amos Johnston Ackiss, was a son of Thomas and Jane (Lamont) Ackiss. He was an ex- tensive farmer. He married Lovey Fisher, a daughter of Israel Fisher.
John B. Ackiss, the father of our subject, was reared on his father's plantation and went West to the Mississippi Valley, where he was overseer of a plantation ; he returned to Virginia prior to 1861. He enlisted, in that year, as a private in Capt. E. W. Copp's company, was later discharged on acount of sickness, and never regained his health sufficiently to re- enter the service. He became a commissioner of revenue of the county, and served as such until his death in 1880, at the early age of 43 years.
Amos Johnston Ackiss was nine years of age when deprived of the assistance of a father, and at the age of II years he be- gan clerking in a store in the summer and attending public school in the winter. When nineteen years old he attended William and Mary College, and then became clerk of the County Court of Princess Anne County, where he took up the study of law in 1893. He then entered the law
department of the University of Virginia, and was admitted to practice in 1894. He lo- cated for the practice of his profesion at Prin- cess Anne Court House in 1895, and was ap- pointed commissioner of courts, which office he held for two years. He then resigned to accept the office of Commonwealth's attorney, in which capacity he is now serving. On July 23, 1900, he opened an office in Norfolk, in the Citizens' Bank Building, where he spends a part of each day, having established a well- paying practice in that city.
In 1894, Mr. Ackiss was joined in marriage with Bessie Sheild Kemshall of Suffolk, a daughter of Frank and Robinett (Sheild) Kemshall. Her mother was a daughter of Robert Sheild of Norfolk, Virginia. This un- ion has been blessed with one daughter,- Madge. Fraternally, the subject of this sketch is a member of Princess Anne Lodge, No. 25, A. F. & A. M .; Princess Anne Lodge, No. 16, I. O. O. F .; and Norfolk Lodge, No. 38, B. P. O. E.
A. WAINWRIGHT, a leading resi- dent and business man of Norfolk, R Virginia, is a large property owner and heavy real-estate dealer in the above-named city, having success- fully conducted some of the best deals yet made in that vicinity. He is indigenous to Norfolk County, his birth having occurred in 1877 in the city which is still his home. His father is Capt. R. D. Wainwright. well known in the community.
Mr. Wainwright attended various institu- tions of learning in his native place during his youth, availing himself of every opportunity to acquire a more comprehensive education, and finally entered V. P. I., where he took a scien- tific course. His college education completed. young Wainwright accepted a clerical position in the large realty office of R. M. Garrettson & Company, of New York City, and remained in
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their employ for several years, or until 1900. He severed his connection with this company during that year, and went to South Carolina. where he was engaged as paymaster for the .\t- lantic Coast Lumber Company, and filled this position with credit to himself, and to the em- inent satisfaction of his employers. While thus employed. he could not fail to see the ad- vantages open to real-estate dealers along the coast : returning to his old home in 1901. he opened a real-estate and loan office, a business for which he had received special training and for which he has much natural adaptability. as the number and character of his recent sales go to prove. He owns some very fine real estate in Norfolk, which he is improving and prepar- ing to market.
Mr. Wainwright is an energetic man. and understands how to make a success of his work. Besides being an excellent business man, he is a public-spirited citizen, and is no better pleased than when performing some useful service in the community. He is blessed with exceptional talents and takes a high place in social affairs.
D R. LUTHER R. CHILES, who for a third of a century has followed the calling of a physician and surgeon. has won a standing that may well be envied. No more popular or es- teemed gentleman than he is to be found in Norf !!.. Virginia, which place has been his home and the scene of his successful labors. fer the past 10 er ti years.
Dr. Chiles is a native of Chesterfield County, Virginia, where he was reared on a farm and attended the district schools. When he reached manhood's years, he chose to fit himself for the medical profession. Entering a well-known medical college of Virginia, he began his preparations for his life work, and in time completed the medical course with credit. A short time afterward he opened an office in Hanover County, where he engaged
in the practice of his chosen profession. Frem the start his success was marked, and a little later he sought a broader field for his labor at Manchester. Virginia, which was his home for a period of 21 years. His practice grew and yielded good returns. Being. as he is. a thorough student, and well versed in all that pertains to his business. he was regarded. in a comparatively short time, as one of the best and ablest physicians and surgeons in Man- chester, and succeeded in winning the confi- dence of a large element of the population. which learned to depend entirely on his efforts for success in battling disease. It is needless to say that Dr. Chiles, in addition to keeping abreast of the times, was an indefatigable worker and served his patients well. This he did too well. in fact, for his own good. caus- ing his own health to break down, and neces- sitating his removal from the city in order to seek a much needed rest. In looking about for a more healthful resort. Dr. Chiles came to Norfolk. Virginia, where he found the cli- mate to be of such benefit to him that he de- cided to locate here permanently, and since IS91, has been a general practitioner in Nor- folk. He has not only regained his own health, but is now able to care for a large and constantly increasing number of patients. His practice is remunerative. being principally among well-to-do people.
Dr. Chiles is a gentleman who fully ap- preciates the duties of his profession, and at the same time does not forget the claims which the public has upon him as a citizen. While a resident of Manchester. he was elected mayor of that city and served as such for two terms. lle was also elected a member of the State Senate and served one term. Being tall and of noble physique, he has a commanding ap- pearance : in addition to his imposing person- ality, he is a fluent speaker, with a fine com- mand of language.
Dr. Chiles speaks in the highest terms of the healthful climate of Norfolk, and can not say too much in its favor. He served for
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some time as a member of the Board of Health. and took a very active part in the proceedings of that body. During the late Confederate War, he served as surgeon on the east side of the James River and at Georgia Hospital, and is regarded as one of the most expert surgeons in Norfolk.
Active in thought and movement, pos- sessed of keen foresight. the Doctor is, apart from his calling, a man of influence and force : as a physician, he is both trusted and loved. His office is at No. 570 Church street. Fra- ternally Dr. Chiles has been a member of the following organizations : Masons. I. O. O. F .. . and Knights of Pythias, as well as several others. He is not now active in any.
REDERICK E. NOTTINGHAM. who is engaged in the real estate and rental business in Norfolk, Norfolk County, Virginia, was born in North- ampton County. Virginia.
Mr. Nottingham was reared on a farm in his native county, and upon the breaking out of the Confederate War enlisted and served until its close. He endured many hardships. participated in many important battles. and can relate many thrilling incidents which oc- curred during his service. At the close of the war, he returned home and followed mercan- tile pursuits until 1881. He met with re- verses, and after settling all debts removed to Norfolk, where he was obliged to begin at the bottom once more. Being a man of untiring energy and perseverance. his ability was soon recognized, and he accepted a position with W. H. Turner, at one time one of the largest real estate dealers of Norfolk. When that gentleman died. Mr. Nottingham took charge of his estate, and looked after all the prop- erty owned by him. He saved money, and scon began to build and sell on a small scale. His business gradually increased, and he is now one of the largest real estate dealers in
Norfolk. He has built about 500 houses in Norfolk, a record which shows the volume of business transacted by him. He believes in building up the city proper, before improving suburban property.
Mr. Nottingham was assessor in 1900. He is a self-made man, and possesses many sterling qualities. He has just cause to be proud of his business career, because he has met with success solely through his own un- tiring efforts.
HOMAS S. SOUTHGATE & COM- PANY, Norfolk, Virginia. This firm occupies an individaul position in this section, and to them must be given credit for the development of an entirely new character of commercial busi- ness, which did not exist in the South up to a few years ago.
Business was established by Mr. Southgate individually in 1892 under the firm name of T. S. Southgate & Company. It was carefully planned and laid out on broad lines with a view to the possible development of which a dis- tributive business was susceptible. And it may be safely said that the proportions to which it has attained is conclusive evidence to the mind of any one that the original views and expec- tations of this gentleman have been largely more than realized.
They may be styled "Wholesale Brokers and Southern Distributing Agents" for all classes of finished manufactured product, and have the representation of the largest and most influential manufacturers and producers in the North. East and West. They enjoy the most intimate relationship with every wholesale dealer in the States of Virginia. North and South Carolina, which fact enables them to say to the manufacturers that if they will place their interests in their hands they will guaran- tee to put their product with the selling medi- ums, which it is the desire of every manufac-
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turer to accomplish. All the product is handled through this port. the aggregation of which is several hundred cars per month.
Mr. Southgate's entire attention is given to the further development of his business. He nevertheless finds time to perform a share of the duties of a public-spirited citizen. serving the city in its Councils and being connected with several of its banking institutions.
D. ARMSTRONG. one of the pro- gressive citizens of Norfolk, secretary and treasurer of the J. D. Armstrong Oyster Packing Company, whose plant is located in Berkley. Virginia. was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1860. and is a son of Benjamin and Catherine Arm- strong. His mother was a native of Virginia and his father a native of Baltimore, Maryland.
J. D. Armstrong came to Norfolk in 1876 and associated himself with H. Edwards & Company in the oyster business until 1880. He was then connected with the Norfolk & South- ern Railroad Company until 1884. He then identified himself with the Nottingham & Wrenn Company, and remained with them until 1891. when he organized the J. D. Arm- strong Oyster Packing Company, with D. D. Wright as president and H. E. Willis vice- president, and J. D. Armstrong secretary and treasurer. Their plant was established at the foot of Pearl street in Berkley, Virginia, and they now employ 250 workmen. Their output is 200.000 gallons of oysters per season. It is the largest packing house south of Baltimore and handles, in addition to their own plants. oysters from the Eastern Shore, James River. Chesapeake Bay and all the rivers tributary thereto. The company is capitalized at $25 .- 000. all paid in.
In 1881 Mr. Armstrong was united in mar- riage with Sallie V. Thornton, who was born in Portsmouth, Virginia, in 1863, and is a daughter of Walter and Roberta Thornton.
They are the parents of seven children: Wal- ter, the manager of the business established by his father : John, the bookkeeper of the above- mentioned firm: Hattie, Lessie. Duston, Vira and Maxine. He and his family are members of the Le Kies Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Fraternally, he is a member of Grice Commandery. No. 16. K. T .. of Nor- folk. Virginia, being a Royal Arch Mason and Master Mason, and has been secretary of .It- lantic Lodge, No. 51. 1. O. O. F., for 20 years. In 188 , he . rganized the Massasoit Tribe. Im- proved Order of Red Men, in Norfolk, and has been the keeper of wampum for the last 15 years. He is also a member of the Royal Ar- canum and a member of Norfolk Lodge, No. 38. B. P. O. E. He is chairman of the local board of improvement for Atlantic City Ward and has served on the City Council for eight years. He is also president of the Oyster Pack- ers' Association of Norfolk and Portsmouth, trustee of Le Kies Memorial Methodist Epis- copal Church. South, and its choir master. He is an unswerving Democrat and has always taken an active part in political affairs and has been spoken of for mayor of Norfolk, but he is connected with too many private business en- terprises to accept any office in which there is any emolument.
HARLES H. CONSOLVO, whose career. as a member of the Select Council of Norfolk, has been marked .by the greatest activity in protecting and furthering the interests of the city, occupies a high place in the esteem of his fellow citizens. As a representative citizen. and one peculiarly dominated by a desire to see Norfolk in the front rank of Southern cit- ies, he stands out prominently.
Mr. Consolvo was born at Norfolk. Febru- arv 9. 1871. and is a scion of a prominent old Virginia family. His ancestry in America may be traced back to about 1730. in which year the
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family became established in Virginia. He re- ceived a good education in St. John's Academy, at Norfolk, and then entered the employ of George W. Taylor & Company, a firm with which he has since been identified. He is also one of the proprietors of the Norfolk Steam Laundry, and owns the franchise for bill post- ing in Norfolk and vicinity. He became inter- ested in political affairs before attaining his majority, and in 1898 was elected to the Select Council of Norfolk from the First Ward, being the youngest member of either branch of the Council. His youth has in no wise interfered with the efficiency of his service. Having en- tered upon business at an early age, he has had wide experience and is enabled to give all mat- ters brought before the Council mature reflec- tion and the proper consideration. Having evidenced his knowledge of finance and his general executive ability, he was made chair- man of the finance committee, and it has since been demonstrated to the satisfaction of every- one that the selection was a wise one, and has redounded to the benefit of the people of the city.
Mr. Consolvo is unswerving in his support of the Democratic party, whose principles he believes to be wise and just, and has taken an active part in the workings of the party. He is a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and the Board of Trade and Business Men's Association, of Norfolk. Re- ligiously, he is a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church.
R ICHARD L. HERBERT was born at Portsmouth, Virginia. July 12, 1846. His father, Francis C. Herbert, was a prominent business man, whose family came from England and were among the early settlers of Portsmouth: lie was born in Norfolk County in 1808, and died in 1876. Richard L. Herbert's mother was Mary E. (Consolvo) Herbert, daughter of
William and Mary Consolvo, of Norfolk, Vir- ginia, who were of Spanish descent. She died of yellow fever during the epidemic in 1855. He has one brother, J. C., who is employed by the Post Office Department in the city of Portsmouth.
Mr. Herbert was educated at the Webster Institute, until he had reached the age of 15, when he assisted, early in 1861, in organizing the Junior Guards, an organization of boys about 15 years of age, who being full of the fervor and patriotism of youth, armed them- selves as best they could with a view toward entering the Confederate. Army, but were not accepted by the government on account of their tender age. They afterward acted as couriers for General Blanchard, who was in command of the department, until after the evacuation of Portsmouth. After this, young Herbert, who was determined to enter active service, ran the blockade through the Federal lines and made his way to Richmond for the purpose of join- ing Grimes' Battery. When he reached there he met Capt. John H. Thompson, who was acting provost marshal, and was by him de- tailed for service in the ordnance department, and became a private in Company A. 4th Na- val Battalion, under command of Major Miner, who was afterward succeeded by Major Curl- ing. Richard Ammon was captain of the com- pany. Young Herbert did service in defense of Richmond against the raids of Dahlgren, Stoneman and Kilpatrick, around the Chick- ahominy Swamp. He continued in active ser- vice around Richmond until the evacuation and was among the last troops to leave that city to join that part of Lee's army on the south side of the James, and was captured en route and paroled. He returned home on the 18th day of April. 1865. and readily found employment. He was connected with the Seaboard & Roan- oke Railroad until 1868 as machinist, and then until 1870 as locomotive engineer. In the lat- ter year he became an engineer in the Ports- mouth Volunteer Fire Department, which po- sition he resigned in 1883 to accept that of
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general superintendent of the Electric Light & Gas Company. This position he held for 11 years, during which period the first electric light plant in the Tidewater section was in- sal'ed and other improvements ma le. During all this time he had taken an active part in p- "itical affair- and Cil ver man service For his party. serving as chairman f the Den cratic Executive Committee from 18-3 10 IN)3. 11- ing a seat in the City Council two term-, ami was a member of the House of Delegates Mi Virginia from Portsmouth City during the ses- Sin vĩ 18X -- 88. On March 1. 1894. having retired from the position of superintendent pi the Electric Light & Gas Company. on account i failing eyesight, he received from President Cleveland the appointment of postmaster for the city of Portsmouth. In this important sta- :i n. he was zealous as usual in the interest ut the public. and succeeded in putting the office in the front rank of its class in character of ad- ministration and improved conveniences. In November. 1808, he was appointed by Judge A. S. Watts, of the Hustings Court. o mmiis- sioner of the revenue for the city of Ports- mouth, to fill out the unexpired term of Vir- ginius Butt. deceased. In May. 1900. he was elected by the people to this same office. which position he now holds.
Mr. Herbert was made a Masen in 1868. is past master and has taken the degree Di Knight Templar; he is also a member of the Odd Fellows. Roval Arcanum and Hepta- " phs. He has been connected with the Ports- mouth Volunteer Fire Department ever since 1866. and has held the position of Ist assistant chief engineer for the past 15 years. He is a devoted member of the Chambers Steam Fire Engine Company. No. 2. one of the oldest or- ganizations of the State, and is a brave and fearless fireman.
Mr. Herbert was married on May 25. 1869. to Mary E. Browne, daughter i Benjamin W. Browne, of Portsmouth. Mrs. Herbert's mother was Sarah Wilson and came ci a prom- inent family of that name in Norfolk County.
Mr. and Mrs Herbert have four children. three Ons ant une daughter: Ca'ler H .. a prominent business man: I. Per l'em, a first- class ships' faire non in the Unirel Sities Navy Yard: Richard .A., who is a nochini -. anel Ethel Browne
0 LIVER D. JACKSON. THEO D Jackson Realty Comar. vib .
largest realty compres ionie S no. was born in Ather- Ciem. this He has been engare l in the real-e -: ce l-me-> in Nerf Ik County. Virginia. once Iso7, and there is not a better known business plan in the city ci Norfolk than this gent'en n.
At the age of 24 vear -. M -. Jackson enrere 1 the mercantile business in his native county. and subsequently engaged in business with the Akron Iron Company of Akren, Ohio. He sad that business in 1882, and began to dea in and handle coal mining property. establish- ing mines in the town of Jacksonville. Athens County. Ohio. This is now one of the most thrifty towns of Ohio. Later. he went to Co- lumbus. Ohio: where he continue ! in the same line of business, and sold $3 .: 0.00 worth i coal mining pr perty in Ohio. In ivos. he re- moved to Norfolk. N rick County. Virginia. anl in 1808 established the O. D. Jak. . Realty Company, having his offices in t'e M "- ticello> Hotel Building.
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