History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900, Part 123

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 123

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).

The O. D. Jackson Realty Com m'stesi- ness is largely in real estate and investment se- curities. It is also engage in promoting Southern colonies and in Itstrial enterprise- The company hamiles suburban properties in large tracts. alex timberland and agricultura' lands in large acreage. It les nit han lle any agricultural tracts less than $2,500 il value. The company sold a tract i said acres in the Franklin Land Company, and re : 12.000 acres to the Virginia Lar I & Lumpbe- Cum- pany. The latter is known as the Wallsre fract

1022

HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY

and is being improved for truck farmers. In February, 1902, they sold a tract of 31,000 acres in North Carolina, at $120,000, and another tract of 10,000 acres adjoining, at $40.000. During 1899 Mr. Jackson sold to parties in Ohio, alone, over $258,000 of Nor- folk County property. He has a large circle of acquaintances in all of the large cities, from New York to Chicago, and makes frequent trips to Ohio in order to keep before them the land in his possession. He is assisted most ably in business by his two sons, William W. and Fred H.

The O. D. Jackson Realty Company has done more to assist in the development of Nor- folk and Norfolk County than any other con- cern of the kind in this section of Virginia. and the citizens of Norfolk have just cause to be proud of the fact that they have in their midst so progressive and public spirited a gen- tleman as the one whose name heads this bi- ography.

Joseph J. Jones grew to manhood in Mary- land. where he received his scholastic training. He began his career as a seaman at the lowest grade, but his quickness of perception, close application to duty, and thorough knowledge of the sea soon placed him in the top ranks and at the early age of 18 years he became master of a sailing vessel. His first steam vessel was the "Harbinger." Later in life he operated a line of steamers of his own, and this business was conducted under the name of the North Carolina line. He continued in that line of business for 22 years, and has followed steam-

boating up to the present time. Captain Jones has been a resident of Norfolk since 1878, and is always interested in that city's welfare.

Captain Jones was married to Catherine C. Holtzman, of Washington, D. C., and they have three children, namely: Catherine E .: Joseph S .; and Marie M. Two are deceased, namely: An infant, and Catherine. Captain Jones is a Democrat in politics.

€ DWIN R. EASTWOOD, who is at the head of Eastwood's Private Detective Agency, of Norfolk, Virginia, was born in Gloucester County, Virginia. in 1860. He is a son of Alexander and Virginia ( Wright) Eastwood.

APT. JOSEPH J. JONES, a well- known sea captain of Norfolk. Nor- folk County, Virginia, was born in Maryland, March 2, 1854, and is a son of Darius S. Jones. Darius S. farmer of Gloucester County; Alice, who mar- Jones was also a native of Maryland, and was a mariner for many years. He died at the age of 70 years.

Alexander Eastwood is a brick-mason by trade and spent his early days in Norfolk. working at that business. He is now engaged in farming. He served throughout the Con- federate War, having enlisted in the Southern Army. His wife, Virginia Wright, is a daugh- ter of John and Rachel Wright, and was born on Staten Island, New York. She is a Meth- odist. Of 12 children born to Alexander East- wood, the following are now living: Edwin R., the subject of this biography: James, a ried Dr. William Simcoe, of Gloucester; Al- berta, the widow of Capt. Walter Almond, Jr .; Albert, a farmer, of Gloucester ; Virginia, who married Captain Marshall, and is living at West Point, Virginia; Rachel, who married Captain Tucker, and is living in King and Queen County, Virginia: and Garry, who is living at home.

Edwin R. Eastwood attended public and private schools in his native county. After leaving school he farmed somewhat, and then went to Baltimore, Maryland, where he became a commercial traveler. From that business he went into the service of the Atlantic & Dan -. ville Railroad Company, now known as the Southern Railway Company, and worked as

1023

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

clerk for that company a short time. I: 188 3 he engaged in the private detective busines .. which he commenced for the Southern Railway Company, with healquarters at Richmond. Virginia. Later he removed th Norfolk, where he established Eastwood's Private Detective Agency. the only agency of the kind in Nor- i 'k. His offices are in the Citizens Bank Building. Mr. Eastwood is a man of shrew !- ness and is possessed of those attributes which go to make a successful detective. He was deputy United States marshal and also a city detective for some time. He has met with much success in his chosen work.

In 1885 Mr. Eastwood married Fannie Johnston. a daughter of J. L. Johnston. She was born in Gloucester County. Virginia. ??? 1861. Mr. Eastwood is a Republican in na- tional politics. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias.

e APT. THOMAS MUSE SOUTH- GATE. who is in command of the vessel "Mobjack." which is owne! by the Old Dominion Steamship Company, and which is conceded to be the fastest vessel in the service of that com- pany. was born in King and Queen County. Virginia. September 19. 1838. He is a son vi James S. and Myra Anne ( Muse ) Southgate. James S. Southgate was a Virginian by birth, and for many years followed the occu- pation ni a farmer. In connection with his agricultural pursuits he also conducted a board- ing school. He removed to Norfolk in 1853. where he died at the age of 73 years. He mar- riel Myra Anne Muse, who, was a daughter of Thomas Muse. That gentleman was clerk of Mid l'esex County. Virginia. for 30 years. Mrs. Southgate died at the age of 6; years. Of five children born to her, but two are living. name- lv : James: and Thomas Muse. the subject of thuis sketch.

Thomas Muse Southgate grew : manhowi

in his native county. He rem wel . Nor- folk in 18:3. At the age i ifyear- he shipped as mate un the teamer "Star." This was the first verse' he ever Book garage in and was also the first vessel of which he be- came master. He was captain of the "Star" at the age of 10 years. His rise wa- rapidl. as can be readily seen by his prom tion to be a captain at that early age. In INza he entered the service of the OM Dominion Steamship Company and was given command of the steamer "Olive." Since that time he ha- had comman! of the "Pamio . "New berne." "Shenandoah." "Manti." "Northampton." and his present vessel. the "Mobjack." This steamer, as before menti med. i- considered the fastest one owned by the Obj Dominion Stean- ship Company, and is a beautiful vesse. Cap- tain Southgate was in the Confederate service during the Intersectional War and saw much active service in the naval movementsin these waters.

Captain Southgate married Mary E. Port- lock, and they have six chillren, as inlaws : Th mas S .: Myra Muse: Elizabeth: Fannie B. : Helen H. : and Hugh Lawan. The Cap- tain is a member of the Knights of Honor and the Royal Arcanum. His recurd as a vesse commander is above reproach, and his career has been a very successful one. He e-e- many admirable trait- of character. which great'y endear him to his acherca'ces an l he is widely known.

JOHN FRANCIS LAWLER. C: - er- gean: vi Noxi 'k. Virginia, was born in Richm a l. Virgini .. May is. 1955. and i- a sin ci Jan and Su-an Shaw | Lawler.

John Law'er was lern in County Queen -. Ire'ani, an : lis wife wa- buen in Currezy l'ex- fur 1. Irelan 1. They came : the U'nite l States. Incating in Richmn al. Virgwin, where Mr. Law'er followed his tra le ." Pack-inning.

1024

HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY

In 1855 he removed to Norfolk, where his death occurred at the age of 72 years. Of 13 children born to this couple, but five are now living, and these are residents of Norfolk, with the exception of P. H. Lawler, who lives in Washington.

John Francis Lawler, whose name heads these lines, was reared in Norfolk, where he attended the public and parochial schools. Af- ter leaving school he entered the United States Navy, as a carpenter's mate, and was on the U. S. S. "Plymouth" for three years. At the expiration of that time he entered the contract- ing and building business in Norfolk, in part- nership with A. F. Holmes, under the firm name of Lawler & Holmes. They followed this business for 15 years, during which time they erected many of the fine business buildings and private residences now standing in Nor- folk. They erected the Ballentine home in Brambleton, and the Ballentine and Hadding- ton blocks in Norfolk. While engaged in the contracting business they established a livery stable on Cove street, which they sold out to WV. T. Davis in 1888. In that year Mr. Law- ler was elected fire commissioner, but resigned that position later, and was elected, on the Democratic ticket, to the State Legislature, in which he served during 1889 and 1890. He made a record worthy of mention, and was a supporter of the Belt Line Bill, which was fought very hard by the city of Portsmouth. Mr. Lawler succeeded in getting this bill through.

In 1896 Mr. Lawler was nominated and elected to the office of city sergeant, and is now serving his third term in that office. Dur- ing his last term he had two executions, which is the greatest record of the kind made by any sheriff in the past 60 years. He treats the pris- oners with kindness, but never swerves from the path of duty. During his service in the office of city sergeant, an operating room and an isolation hospital have been added to the old jail, and a new jail has been built.

Mr. Lawler was a member of the Demo-

cratic committee and was the first chairman of Brambleton Ward, when it was annexed to Norfolk. He did much in the matter of an- nexing the ward and it became a part of Nor- folk in 1887, three years after he erected his home. Mr. Lawler has always taken a deep interest in military affairs, having served as drummer boy in the "Guard" during his youth. He was also quartermaster and sergeant in the 4th Regiment, Virginia Infantry, for five years.

Mr. Lawler married Nora Donovan, daugh- ter of Patrick and Mary Donovan. She was born in Richmond, Virginia, but when she was a child her parents removed to Norfolk, where she was reared and educated. Nine children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Lawler, five of whom are now living, namely: John B. ; Lee ; Emmett : Vincent, and Nora.

Mr. Lawler is a member of several fra- ternal organizations, among them being the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks : Em- erald Beneficial Association: St. Patrick's Be- nevolent Society; Ancient Order of Hibern- ians : Knights of Columbus : National Union : Catholic Benevolent Legion : Eagles ; Improved Order of Red Men; and the Board of Trade and Business Men's Association of Norfolk. He is a prominent man in local circles, and is highly esteemed for his many admirable quali- ties.

J ESSE A. HAMILTON, who gallantly served in Mahone's Brigade through- out the Confederate War, is a promi- nent truck farmer- located on the Western Branch of the Elizabeth River, in Norfolk County, Virginia. He was born in Nansemond County. Virginia, October 23. 1842, and is a son of Jethro Hamilton, also a native of Nansemond County.

Jesse A. Hamilton came to Norfolk County in 1861, and at the age of 18 years enlisted in the Confederate Army before the actual seces- sion of Virginia. He was in Company A, 16th

1025

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

Regiment. Virginia Infantry, and served until the close of the war, in Mahone's Brigade. An- derson's Division. He actively participated in the battles of Malvern Hill, Manassas. Crampton's Gap. Fredericksburg. Chancellors- ville. Salem Church, Gettysburg. Bristol. Mine Run. the Wilderness. Spottsylvania Court House. Anderson Farm, near Hanover Junc- tion. the Crater. and Hatcher's Run. He was wounded three times during the last year of . the war. first at Hanover Junction. May 27. 1864. when he received a wound in the right shoulder. He was wounded at the battle of the Crater July 30. 864, being struck by a shell in the left hip. and disabled until January 1. 1865. On February 7. 1865. he was again wounded at Hatcher's Run. being hit by a rifle shell in the right hand and wrist.

Upon his return home after the war. he engaged in agricultural pursuits and has since continued thus. He has been located on his present farm of 104 acres since 1875. and has carried on trucking on an extensive scale. and with good results. He is one of the substantial men of the community and has many friends.

December 31. 1874. Mr. Hamilton was united in marriage with Anna H. Love, and they have reared five children, namely: Min- nie L .; Clarence; Anna S .; Margaret: and Marvin G. Fraternally he is a member of the Knights of Pythias and Royal Arcanum.

S. HERMAN. who holds the respon- sible position of treasurer of the city of Norfolk. Virginia, was born in Nansemond County. Virginia. De- cember 5. 1859. Shortly after his birth he was brought to Norfolk. where he lived until 1866. when he was taken to Louisi- ana and lived there until 1870. He was taken to Minnesota in the fall of 1870 and lived there until the fall of 1872. when he came to Nor- folk to live permanently. He was educated in the Norfolk Academy and at the age of 17 years began work in a wholesale boot and shoe

house. He remained in that business four vears and then entered the banking business. in which he was engaged 16 years.

Mr. Herman was elected a member of the Common Council from the Second Ward in 1894. and served most acceptably in that body until 1896. In 1897 he was elected city treas- urer, carrying all of the wards in the city. with the exception of the 4th. He has since been re- elected to that office, and this fact alone proves his ability to hold such a position. This is one of the most important offices in connection with the city government. and Mr. Herman has won much praise for his faithfulness in the discharge of his duties. He is keeniv alive to the interests and progress of Norfolk, and is interested in several important enterprises. Although his duties in the office of city treas- urer have been exacting. Mr. Herman has found time to engage in other undertakings, and is a business man in every sense of the word.

The subject of this sketch married Mar- tha Sigourney, a daughter of Andrew Sigour- ney. November 24. 1887. , They have two sons, Andrew Sigourney and William Foster.

Mr. Herman was elected president of the Board of Trade and Business Men's Associa- tion. of Norfolk. in 1901. and again in 1902, having been for several years chairman of the executive committee of that organization. He is also prominent in fraternal organizations, being a member of the Masonic order. Knights of Pythias. Elks. Mystic Chain and others. By virtue of his many sterling qualities and his manliness of character. he has won many friends, and is esteemed by all as one of the best citizens of Norfolk.

OHN J. HALL. who is engaged in a prosperous mercantile business in partnership with his brother. William V ... is a substantial citizen of Great Bridge, and exerts a wide influence in the promotion of the town's best interests.

1026

HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY

He is a son of William H. Hall and a grand- son of Willis Hall, both of these honored gen- tlemen having been born at Great Bridge. The Hall family have lived in Norfolk County since a very early day, and played their part in the history of the county. William H. Hall owned a large plantation and a number of slaves. He was united in the bonds of mat- rimony with Argy Hall, who was also born at Great Bridge. and they had seven children, four of whom still survive, namely: John J. ; William W., engaged in business with the sub- ject hereof : George M .. the efficient postmaster at Great Bridge, who was appointed to that position in 1896; and Virginius. The beloved father of these children departed this life in 1895.

John J. Hall was born October 28, 1848, at Great Bridge, Norfolk County, Virginia. He remained under the parental roof until he had acquired a sufficient mental training in the schools of Bell's Mill to enable him to cope more intelligently, than he otherwise could, with the many probems of life. In 1871 he engaged in mercantile pursuits at Bell's Mill, and was successful for seven years. In 1882 he moved to Great Bridge and there established his present business, taking into partnership with him his brother, William W. The hon- esty and uprightness with which he conducts his affairs, and which distinguish his dealings, detract in no way from his popularity, and he is respected and esteemed by all who know him.

Mr. Hall has been twice married. He was first united in marriage with Martha Lock- wood, who was born in Norfolk, and they had one child, a daughter, named Willie L. In 1896, some time after the death of his first wife, he was united in marriage with Josephine Holman, a native of Norfolk County. They attend the Berea Christian Church, and are identified with all its interests.

Mr. Hall is Democratic in his political opinions and is outspoken in his endorsement of that party's aims. Fraternally he is a Mason.

AMUEL C. PHILLIPS, a well-known dealer in furniture, stoves and car- pets and other household furnishings, with place of business at present at Nos. 331-337 Church street, Nor- folk, Virginia, was born in that city March 8, 1843.

His father, Samuel Phillips, was a native of the Eastern Shore, Virginia, and was a steamboat captain for many years. In 1840 be removed to Norfolk, where he resided until his death, which occurred at the age of 47 years. He was a consistent member of the Catholic Church. He married Annette Mea- gher, who was born in Charleston, South Car- olina, and by her had two children, George A. and Samuel C.

Samuel C. Phillips, the subject of our bi- ography. received his education in the Norfolk Military Academy, then conducted by Prof. William R. Galt. After the war, in 1867, Mr. Phillips embarked in the notion business on Main street, at the head of Commercial Place, which he conducted successfully for several years. He started his present business on a small scale some five years ago and now car- ries one of the largest stocks of furniture, car- pets and house furnishings in the city, occupy- ing three large stores, the center one of which is three stories in height, and every available space is occupied. He employs seven assist- ants and does an extensive business throughout Virginia and North Carolina.

Mr. Phillips has become very well known in Norfolk as a reliable and trusworthy man, and all his dealings are honest and fair with all. His success has been of his own making and he has worked with untiring energy, and every day makes new customers. He holds office in several local organizations, notable among which are Pocahontas Council, No. 493, Royal Arcanum, in which, after passing through all the chairs, he has been made trustee of its funds. He is secretary of the Emerald Bene- ficial Association, as also of the Catholic Knights of America and a director of the Twin

1027

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

City Permanent Building Association, as also a director of the Traders' & Truckers' Bank of Norfolk. Virginia. a stockholder of the Tidewater Fire Insurance Company. and a member of the Business Men's Association.

AMES S. GROVES .* president of the James S. Groves & Company. whole- sale commission house, vice-president and general manager of Chautauqua- by-the-Sea Assembly. vice-president and manager of the Virginia Beach Develop- ment Company, president of the Virginia Beach Ice Company, and vice-president and general manager of the Ocean View Pleasure Com- pany. has been a resident of Norfolk. Virginia. for only nine years, but is a practical real estate man, and is looked upon as an authority in real estate (leals and investment securities, having devoted many years to the business.

Mr. Groves was born at Wellington, North Carolina, and was reared and schooled in the same locality. When grown to manhood. he went to Roanoke. Virginia, where he engaged in the real estate business and for seven years was instrumental in developing that city. Dur- . ing that time he served in the City Council. was a director of the Exchange Bank, and at one time was a candidate for mayor of that city.

L'pon locating in Norfolk Mr. Groves' long experience in the real estate business gave him an insight into the future of the city. and he was quick to grasp the opportunities there of- fered. He has ever since been one of the prin- cipal factors in its development and improve- .ment. In 1894 he established. at Nos. 39 and 41 Roanoke dock. the wholesale commission house of James S. Groves & Company, one of the most prosperous wholesale mercantile establishments of Norfolk. S. J. Kennedy is secretary and treasurer of the company: all kinds of produce from Florida. Tennessee. North Carolina and Virginia. are handled

with facility. and large shipments are made to the North. and throughout the eastern part of the United States.

In 1900 Mr. Groves became interested in the Virginia Beach Development Company. He has served as vice-president and general manager of that company since its organization. He was one of the organizers of the Ocean View Pleasure Company. In 1950 this com- pany built a pier. 1.000 feet long and 20 feet wide. all above high tide. which has done much to make the place what it is to-day. a famous pleasure resort. From this pier fish- ing can be indulged in to the heart's content. Seats are provided for those desiring to watch the boats, or to enjoy the ocean breeze. "merry-go-round" and a vaudeville perform- ance. accompanied by a fine orchestra. provide ample entertainment for the pleasure seeker.

Few men of Norfolk have been more ener- getic and active in building up that city than has Mr. Groves, and to such men as he are due its wonderful strides of improvement and progress. Although he has never sought office in Norfolk. he is an active worker in the inter- ests of his adopted home. and is esteemed by all who know him. He is a valued member of the Board of Trade and Business Men's As- sociation. of Norfolk.

5 ARRY K. WOLCOTT* is the senior member of the firm of Wolcott. Wol- cott & Gage. a combination of legal talent which has attracted wide at- tention by its success in practice and takes rank among the leading law firms of Nor- folk.

Harry K. Wolcott was born in Granville. Ohio. October 23. 1868. He attended the com- inon schools of Van Wert County. Ohio, and then entered upon the study of law in the Uni- versity of Michigan, at Ann Arbor. He grad- uated from that institution with the class of 1892 and in that year was admitted to the bar

1028

HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY

in the State of Ohio. He was engaged in the practice of his profession, alone, in Van Wert County, until April 27, 1894. when he became associated with his brother, Edward W. Wol- cott. They gained a lucrative patronage and continued in practice there until 1895. when they removed to Norfolk, Virginia, and were admitted to practice in the same. Their suc- cess was immediate, and in 1898 they took into partnership Ralph P. Gage. also of Ohio. They have had charge of many cases in the courts of Norfolk County, and Harry K. Wolcott won an enviable reputation as a criminal lawyer, in the trial of Orville I. Fleming, on the charge of murder. His whole interest is centered in his profession, which he has fully mastered. He is as successful in the preparation of cases for trial as in the argument before court or jury. The offices of the firm are located in the City National Bank Building. Mr. Wolcott is an active worker in the Y. M. C. A., of which he is a director.

Edward W. Wolcott was born in Granville. Ohio. April 19, 1871, and was reared and edu- cated in Van Wert County, Ohio. He was ad- · mitted to the bar of Ohio in 1894 and then be- came a partner of his brother, Harry K. Wol- cott. He is a Republican in politics, and when but 22 years of age was elected chairman of the party organization in Van Wert County, Ohio. He also came to Norfolk, Virginia, to engage in the practice of his profession, and stands well, both as a member of the bar and as a citizen.

A RTHUR C. FREEMAN .* a prominent business man of Norfolk, Virginia, was made manager of the Mutual Life Insurance Company in 1895. 1 He was made superintendent of the company's agents for Virginia. under O. F. Bresee & Sons, the following year, and was then promoted to be one of the executive special agents of the company, in which capacity he - has displayed rare ability.

Mr. Freeman was born in Norfolk in 1845 and is a son of Joseph M. Freeman, and grand- son of Joseph Freeman. His father was born in Yorktown. Virginia, and learned the jewelry trade from Joseph Clarico, who manufactured and sold watches and jewelry in Norfolk, in 1792. Joseph M. Freeman married the daugh- ter of his employer, and succeeded to the own- ership of the concern in 1831. The business passed into the hands of the subject hereof in . 1873. Mrs. Freeman died in 1876 and her husband passed away in 1882. They reared five sons, who served in the Confederate War, as follows: Virginius; Joseph M .: William H .: Robert; and Arthur C. Virginius, who was a chief engineer in the United States Navy. resigned to offer his sword to the State of Virginia. He was immediately appointed a chief engineer in the Confederate States Navy and ordered to New Orleans, where he remained until the fall of that city. He was then stationed at Charleston until it capitulated. He surrendered at Greensboro, North Caro- lina, with Johnston's army. Joseph M. also served in the United States Navy, and resigned in 1853 to engage in business with his father. At the outbreak of the war he joined the Con- federate States Navy, and later became a mem- ber of the Norfolk Light Artillery Blues ; still later he again served in the navy. William H. raised a company, and was made a captain in the Confederate States Army. Resigning in 1864 he went into the Confederate States Navy and was stationed at Wilmington, North Car- olina. Robert served in Company G, 6th Regi- ment. Virginia Infantry, Mahone's Brigade. He participated in all the battles of that bri- gade, and was captured on the retreat follow- ing the battle of Gettysburg. He was ex- changed, and enlisted in the Confederate Navy and was on board the " Albemarle" when that vessel was blown up. Joseph M. Freeman was elected treasurer of the city of Norfolk but refused to qualify. He served, however, as a member of the Select Council of the city.

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.

History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900, Part 123

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