History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900, Part 124

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 124

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Arthur C. Freeman attended private school

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in Norfolk, and in 1861, when the Confederate War broke out, enlisted in the City Guard, of Norfolk. He was with that body until it dis- banded and then enlisted in North Carolina, as orderly sergeant in the Goldsboro Gnards, un- cler Captain Gregory. He was transferred to the navy and served under command of Com- modore Tatnall and Commodore William Wal- lace Hunter. He was one of the officers in the expedition that captured the United States steamer "Water Witch."

Lieut. Thomas Pelot, C. S. Navy, who led the expedition, was killed in action. After the fall of Savannah Mr. Freeman was ordered to the "Chicoro" at Charleston, and upon the fall of that city went with the naval brigade to Drewry's Bluff, and served until the close of the war. He has since resided in Norfolk and is one of the substantial business men of the city. In 1901, at a banquet given in Washing- ton, he was presented by the Mutual Life In- surance Company with a beautiful gold watch, with monogram and date, for being the largest insurance writer in their employ in the State of Virginia.

Mr. Freeman was united in marriage with Emma B. Blow, a daughter of Judge George Blow. She comes of a very prominent family in this locality. The first of the family in this country was Samuel Blow, who. it is supposed, came from England, as he received from the crown a large grant of land. located in Sussex and Hampton counties, Virginia. His son. Richard Blow, settled at Portsmouth. although he owned interests on both sides of the river. He was president of one of Norfolk's earliest banks. He was also a large ship merchant, and owned numerous sailing vessels which plied be- tween Norfolk, the West Indies and other ports. He received a vote of thanks for the use of a ship by the government. during the Revolutionary War. He left a large property. to which his son, George Blow, added large es- tates on the James River, and abandoned the business of a ship merchant for the plantation. George Blow married Eliza Waller. a daughter

of Robert Waller, and to this union Judge George Blow was born.

Judge George Blow, father of Mrs. Free- man, was educated at the University of Vir- ginia, and graduated from the law department. He then went to Texas, where he acquired a large practice and was elected to Congress. He subsequently returned to Norfolk, where he practiced law. and was elected to the State Legislature. He was a personal friend of Stephen A. Douglas and served as a Douglas elector. Whenever Mr. Douglas visited Nor- folk he was a guest of Judge Blow. He was elected a delegate to the Constitutional Conven- tion, and served a period of 15 years on the Circuit Bench. For many years he was a part- ner of John Goode, and retired from practice at an advanced age. He was a fine speaker and writer. He died in 1893. at the age of 80 years. He was lieutenant colonel of the 41st Regiment, Virginia Infantry, at Sewell's Point. Ile married Elizabeth Allmand, a daughter of Albert Allmand, and they became the parents of the following children : Allmand A., a min- ing engineer of Denver, Colorado, who mar- ried Miss Goodell, of that city ; George P .. , who served in the United States Navy many years, was an officer on the "Maine," when that battle- ship was blown up, married Adele Matthewson, of LaSalle, Illinois, and is now living a retired life in Chicago; Maggie, wife of Warren G. El- liott, who is president of the Atantic Coast Line system; Emma C., wife of Arthur C. Freeman ; Eliza W., wife of M. S. Atkinson, of Baltimore, Maryland ; Lulu, who married Will- iam B. Page; Jennie, who married E. Hoff ; and Atala, wife of Lewis Noble. About 1857 Mrs. Elizabeth Allmand gave her daughter, the wife of Judge Blow, a large lot adjoining his residence on Boush street, and here they caused to be erected a magnificent four-story, brick residence, which is now owned by his : daughter. Mrs. Arthur C. Freeman.

Arthur C. Freeman and his wife have three children, as follows : Emma B., wife of Lieut. Allen M. Cook, U. S. Navy: Elizabeth All-

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mand ; and Arthur C., Jr .. a civil engineer. The subject of this sketch served as a justice of the peace several years. He is a member of the Board of Trade and Business Men's Associa- tion, of Norfolk, and of Pickett-Buchanan Camp, Confederate Veterans : and belongs to the Masons and Elks.

R OMEO M. DOZIER .* police sergeant of the Atlantic City Ward police force, was born in Churchville. Virginia, December 1I, 1855, and is a son of Cornelius and Eliz-

abethı S. ( Dennis) Dozier. Cornelius Dozier served in the Confederate War, and was killed in the battle of Malvern Hill, June 2, 1862. His wife then removed to Norfolk.

Romeo M. Dozier was reared in Norfolk. When a mere lad he was in the naval service of the government as steward's attendant about 20 months. He then learned the tinsmith's trade under Mr. Watson's instruction, and worked for that gentleman eight years. His next work was as rate keeper at the Elizabeth River ferries, where he continued for five years. He became toll collector for the At- lantic City toll bridge, and after spending seven years there was employed as assistant in the city water works department. March 1. 1898. he was elected police sergeant of the force at Atlantic City. This was the first police protec- tion afforded to that ward, the area of which is larger than the city of Norfolk and Brambleton combined. At that time there were but five policemen, but now there are nine regulars. Their names are: Romeo M. Dozier; J. L. Henderson: E. B. Forrest: B. J. Jones; E. Whitehead; A. S. Hunley; B. F. Whitemore; G. L. Marshall; and A. Brown, special. The policemen's pay in 1898 was but $2.00 per day. but Mr. Dozier succeeded in obtaining an increase of 25 cents' per day for them. They are prompt, active and efficient. Mr. Dozier served for several years as county constable,

and was chairman of the local board when he resigned to accept the office of police sergeant.

He has been twice married. His first wife was Miss Margaret Ellen Fentress, a daughter of Ezekiel Fentress, of Princess Anne County, Virginia. She died, aged 31 years, leaving the following children: Susan E. : Mary E .; Ro- meo M., Jr .: William C .; and an infant son, deceased. Mr. Dozier formed a second union. in this instance with Mattie V. Hill, a daughter of George W. Hill, of Norfolk, and their chil- dren are: Mattie V .: Emmett W .; Nellie M .; George W .; Ruth B .: Luther L .; and Clara L. Three children are deceased, namely : Hor- ace, Charles L. and an infant son.

Mr. Dozier is a charter member of Atlantic Lodge, No. 51. I. O. O. F., and is also a mem- ber of the I. O. R. M .. K. O. T. M. and Jr. O. U. A. M. He is well known in Atlantic City and Norfolk, where he is highly esteemed as an honest, upright citizer.

OHN H. WATERS .* who has charge of the sewer pump station at the cor- ner of Duke and Ward avenues, At lantic City Ward, Norfolk, Norfolk County, Virginia, was born in Nor- folk. in 1873. He is a son of Capt. Bray B. Waters, one of Norfolk's oyster raisers and boatmen.

Capt. Bray B. Waters owns and conducts an oyster-boat, having been engaged in that business for many years. He served in the old 9th Regiment. Virginia Infantry, during the Confederate War, and was wounded at the battle of Malvern Hill. He served as a pilot on the James River during the war.

John H. Waters, the subject of this sketch, attended the public schools of Norfolk, and as- sisted his father in tonging oysters until he was 19 years old. He then began the study of electricity and worked himself up to the grade of a first-class electrician. In 1898 he was given charge of the pumping station at the

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corner of Duke and Ward avenues, which drains the southwestern part of Ghent and car- ries to Atlantic City. A five horse power mo- tor is used, which is an automatic machine. This motor works but two-thirds of the time in order to do all the work necessary, and is one of the modern improvements put into use to successfully drain Ghent and its lower lands. Mr. Waters gives his entire time to this task and is a faithful and conscientious workman. He was married to Vera Pyles, a daughter of John Pyles, of Norfolk.

APT. SELBY AUGUSTUS HAR- NEY,* who is in command of the steamer "Hampton," and in the em- ploy of the Old Dominion Steamship Company, was born in Currituck County, North Carolina, October 30, 1857. He is a son of Thomas Smith and Jennie ( Woodhouse ) Harney.

Thomas Smith Harney was born in Cam- den County, North Carolina, and was a mas- ter mariner, sailing on inland waters. He died at the age of 62 years. His wife, who was born in Currituck County, North Carolina, died at the age of 48 years. They had five children. four of whom are now living. namely: Selby Augustus, the subject of this sketch; Capt. George W .: Mrs. Lurania Morgan: and Mrs. Carrie E. Zoeller. William is deceased.

· Captain Harney received his mental train- ing in his native county, and in the public school; of Elizabeth City, whither his parents had removed. At the age of 15 years he began steamboating as a mail agent. and followed that occupation for three years. He was in the coast survey service for three years, sail- ing the waters from Maine to the Gulf of Mexico, and up the Mississippi River as far as Vicksburg. He became connected with the Old Dominion Steamship Company October 30. 1882, and has remained in the service of that company up to the present time. He was

promoted to be a master at the age of 21 years, and has had command of the following ves- sels : "Enterprise." "Luray." "Hampton Roads," "Nantasket." and "Hampton," of which he became captain in April, Igo1.

Captain Harney married Mamie M. South- all, who was born in Smithfield. Virginia, and is a daughter of T. H. Southall, who represents an old family of Virginia. The Captain and his wife have two children, namely: Cather- ine Moore and Sally Southall. Captain Har- ney is a member of the following fraternal or- ganizations: A. F. & A. M .: K. of P .: B. P. O. E. : Royal Arcanum : Knights of the Mystic Chain; Old Dominion Benevolent Association : and a social club at Hampton, called "Pow- hatan."

Captain Harney makes his home in Ilamp- ton, where he has a host of well-wishing friends. His record as a captain is excellent. and he is held in high esteem by his employers and those who are beneath him in rank.

ILLIS A. JENKINS,* a well-known educator of Portsmouth, Virginia. is principal of the Portsmouth lligh School and supervisor of the schools of the second district of the city. lle was born at Portsmouth. Septem- ber 24. 1860, and comes of a prominent family of Norfolk County. He is a son of John S. Jenkins, and a grandson of Jethro A. Jenkins. a native of Portsmouth, and one of the incor- porators of what is now the Seaboard Air Line Railway, with which he was identified until its first reorganization.

John S. Jenkins was born at Portsmouth and was graduated from the law department of the University of Virginia. He engaged in the practice of law, first as a member of the firm of Stubb & Jenkins, and later alone. He was a Union man in principle, and wrote articles against secession. Thus he remained until Vir- ginia seceded, and then he went with his State.

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He was a member of the 4th Regiment, Vir- ginia Infantry, and was killed in Pickett's charge at Gettysburg, being one of those to cross the stone wall. He held the rank of ad- jutant and was 31 years of age when he died. He married Miss Hargrove, a daughter of W. W. Hargrove, who operated a stage line between Portsmouth and Suffolk, his home be- ing at Hargrove's Tavern, Poplar Grove. Mr. Hargrove was in the Mexican War, and died soon after its close. As a result of their union Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins had two sons, Willis A. and John S., who was born July 9. 1862, and is a member of the law firm of Boone & Jen- kins, of Norfolk. At the close of the Con- federate War, Mrs. Jenkins opened the Ports- mouth Seminary for Young Ladies, which she conducted for a period of 30 years. It was a well-conducted institution, and the average at- tendance was from 80 to 90 pupils. Mrs. Jenkin's maintained this seminary until the early "nineties," when it was turned over to Miss Bain, who sold it to Miss Holladay. It is not now in operation. Mrs. Jenkins has al- ways been a woman of affairs, and has taken a deep interest in educational matters. She has been president of the United Daughters of Confederacy, and is president of the Ports- mouth Students' Club. She is broad-minded and well educated, and has traveled extensively in Europe.

Willis A. Jenkins attended his mother's school until he was 14 years of age, and then entered Phillips' Military Academy, which was conducted by C. T. Phillips. now clerk of the court. He remained in that institution two years and then, in 1876, went to William and Mary College, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy in 1878, at the age of 18 years ; he is one of the youngest graduates of that institution. In 1890 he took the degree of Bachelor of Arts. After 1878 he was engaged in teaching, with his mother, for several years, and then be- came assistant bookkeeper for Hymans & Dewey. He traveled in the South for one

year, and then for the following year sold bit- ters, etc., for Hodgeman, Spencer & Company. He next returned to the institution conducted by his mother, and taught for a few months. He was engaged in the real estate and insur- ance business with John L. Watson about one vear. In October. 1887, John W. Young, prin- cipal of the fourth district school, at Ports- mouth, died and Mr. Jenkins was elected as his successor. taking charge in December. 1887. In September. 1888. he was elected to his pres- ent position as principal of the Portsmouth High School, and supervisor of the second dis- trict schools. He has also been very active in normal school work. For two years he was an instructor, appointed by the State Board of Education and for the past 10 years he has been associate manager of the Virginia Sum- mer School of Methods, together with E. C. Glass, superintendent of the Lynchburg (Vir- ginia ) school. He is a member of the board of directors of the Portsmouth Business Men's Association.

Mr. Jenkins was united in marriage with Miss Dews, who was born in Portsmouth, and is a daughter of Duras C. Dews, and they have had five children, namely : Herndon: Marga- ret V .; Willis A., Jr., deceased ; Julius Dews : and Winbourne. Mr. Jenkins is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.

LBERT STAHL* is a gentleman who needs no introduction to the citizens of Norfolk County. His record of public service as a member of the City Council of Norfolk, and his two thriving business houses in that city, have brought him prominently before the public as a man worthy of the highest respect and es- teem. He is a practical decorator and dealer in wall paper, at No. 253 Church street, and also at No. 102 Granby street.

Mr. Stahl was born in Sandusky, Ohio, July 19, 1857. His parents moved to Balti-

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more. Maryland, shortly after the Confederate War and there he was reared and educated. Ile learned the art of decorating in March. 1873, and since then has been engaged in that line of business. He has traveled extensively throughout the country, principally visiting the larger cities, where he followed his profes- sion. He located in Norfolk. Virginia, in 1885 and engaged in the wall paper and decor- ating business. Beginning in a small and un- pretentious manner, his business has grown year by year until his establishment is now 1111- rivaled in the city. Of his two places the one at No. 253 Church street was first started, and car- ries a larger and more general stock than the other. The business at No. 102 Granby street is new, and very exclusive in the stock carried. which is a superb line of the latest and newest designs in foreign and domestic paper hang- ings. As a practical decorator Mr. Stahl is considered one of the best in the South, and specimens of his work may be found in the At- lantic Hotel. the Marine Bank and in many of the private residences in Norfolk.

Mr. Stahl has always been a stanch sup- porter of the Democratic party but never en- tered actively into politics prior to 1898, when he was elected a member of the City Council from the First Ward. He has ever been an en- thusiastic advocate of all measures calculated to benefit and develop the city, and has been particularly active in improving the public schools of Norfolk, and the streets of the city. He also rendered efficient service for two years as a member of the Board of Fire Commis- sioners.

Albert Stahl is married and has one son, and with his family, attends the Presbyterian Church. Fraternally he is a member of Atlan- tic Lodge. No. 2. A. F. & A. M .: Norfolk United Chapter. No. I. R. A. M .; Grice Com- mandery, No. 10, K. T .: Acca Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S .: Norfolk Lodge. No. 38. B. P. O. E. : Lodge No. 228. Royal Arcanum ; Improved Order of Red Men : Golden Chain ; and Ancient

Order of United Workmen. He is also a member of the Board of Trade and Business Men's Association, of Norfolk.

H. McLEAN*, who is master boat- builder at the Norfolk Navy Yard. was born in Portsmouth. in 1833. 1le is a son of R. and Elizabeth P. ( Tut- ton) Mclean.

R. McLean was a native of Maryland and removed to Portsmouth in 1828. He was a stone-mason by trade, and was one of a num- ber who went to Fortress Monroe to build the fort. At the completion of that work he moved to Portsmouth to build the stone dry dock at the Gosport Navy Yard. The dock was com- pleted in 1833 and Mr. McLean worked on it until his death in 1832. He was but 33 years old at the time of his death. His wife died in Baltimore in 1881. Of five sons born to them but one is now living.

R. H. McLean. the subject of this sketch. went to Washington after his father's death. He remained there but a short time, when he moved to Portsmouth. There he received his mental training, partly in the old Portsmouth Academy and later in the public school. He was apprenticed as a boat-builder at Norfolk. under Richard Vermillion. He completed his apprenticeship there and after Mr. Vermil- lion's death went to work at the Navy Yard as a mechanic. under Thomas Johnson, now de- ceased. That was in 1854, and he continued at that work until 1873, when he was appointed master boat-builder to fill the vacancy made by the resignation of William Hitchings. With the exception of four years, during which time he was engaged in the grocery business he has since continued in the capacity of master boat- builder. All of the vessels made and repaired in the Navy Yard are under Mr. McLean's supervision. He now has 56 men under his charge. probably three times as many as when

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he first accepted the position of master boat- builder. Mr. McLean is held in high esteem by those above and below him in rank, and is highly commended for his excellent workman- ship.

He was married, in Portsmouth, to a daughter of William Pettit, of Alexandria, Virginia. She died in 1900, leaving six chil- dren, namely : Charles : George; Rosa (Loach ) ; Lulu ( Taylor) of Norfolk ; Fannie : and Delia ( Dempsey), of Portsmouth. Mr. McLean has resided on 4th street, in South Portsmouth, for the past 30 years. He is a Republican in politics. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and is the oldest charter member of Portsmouth Lodge, No. 16, K. of P. He is a member of Wright Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church, South, of which he is a steward and trustee.

L YCURGUS BERKLEY .* an extensive real estate, fire and life insurance dealer, of Berkley, Norfolk County. Virginia, was born in Berkley August 15. 1855. He is a son of Lycurgus and Eliza A. ( Middleton) Berkley.

Lycurgus Berkley, the father, was born in Fairfax County, Virginia, near Fairfax Court House. For many years he was a wholesale dealer in dry goods and notions in Norfolk. He disposed of that business and removed to Berkley, which city takes his name. He turned his attention to real estate and to developing the town. He was a prominent man in Nor- folk County, and in fact was known through- out Virginia, and the Carolinas. He was one whose life was actuated in everything he did by noble purpose and purity of motive. Char- itable, genial and courteous, he won hosts of friends by reason of his many acts of kindness, and by always lending a helping hand to those in need. He was particularly interested in young men who were just starting out in busi- ness life, and always gave them good advice and his assistance. He took but little interest

in politics, but liked to see good men at the head of the government. He gave $500 to each of the religious denominations in Berkley, and a building site to the Baptist and the Pres- byterian churches : he also offered the same to the Catholics, but they were not able to erect a building on the site. His death occurred at the age of 52 years. He married Eliza A. Middleton, who is still living, at the age of 65 years. She is a prominent worker in Mem- orial Methodist Episcopal Church. South, and a woman of many admirable traits of character. Four children resulted from her union with Mr. Berkley, namely: John Middleton, who is active in politics, is now a member of the Town Council, and was second mayor of Berk- ley, after its incorporation ; Lycurgus, the sub- ject of this sketch; Martha P. S., who died at the age of 20 years; Waverly D., a dealer in furniture. stoves and tinware, in Berkley,- he is vice-president of the Merchants' & Plant- ers' Bank, and also president of the Berkley Building & Loan Asoociation, the first concern of its kind in the town.

Lycurgus Berkley, whose name opens these lines, was a student in Randolph-Macon Col- lege, which he left in his intermediate year. He returned to his home, and entered the whole- sale dry goods business with his father. Later, he formed a partnership with J. W. Hunter, the firm name reading J. W. Hunter & Company. He remained in partnership with Mr. Hunter for two years, when he sold his interest in the business, and removed to Berkley, in June. 1900. He then engaged in the real estate, fire and life insurance business, in which he has been very successful. He is a man of more than ordinary business ability, honest and up- right in all his dealings, and has won the con- fidence and respect of all who come in contact with him, either in a business or social way. He is vice-president of the Business Men's Ex- change and Board of Trade, treasurer of the Atlantic Permanent Building & Loan Associa- tion, and holds other responsible positions in various other business enterprises.

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Mr. Berkley was married in October. 1874. to Mary E. Wicks, who is a native of Norfolk. Virginia, and a daughter of Capt. Edward F. Wicks. Captain Wicks and his wife are both deceased. Three children have been born to Mr. Berkley and his wife, namely: Martha, deceased at the age of 19 years : Lucille. a grad- uate of Mary Washington College, with the class of 1901 : and Alice Ilunter. Mr. Berk- ley and his wife are members of Memerial Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and the former is steward and treasurer for the board of stewards. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and Royal Arcanum, being collector for the latter organization.

B ENJAMIN F. McHORNEY,* who is captain on the vessel "Belle Horton." which plies between Newport News and Sewell's Point, was born in Cur- rituck County, North Carolina, No- vember 17. 1874. He is a son of Benjamin and Jennie ( Woodhouse ) MeHorney.

Benjamin McHorney was a steamboat cap- tain in his younger days, but later in life en- gaged in mercantile pursuits. He died when his son, Benjamin F., was but four years old. In politics, he was a Democrat. His widow, whose maiden name was Jennie Woodhouse. was a native of Currituck County. North Caro- lina, and is now living in Norfolk, aged 52 years. She is a member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, South. Five children were the offspring of this union. namely : Walton, Man- liff and Samuel, deceased: Walter, who is cap- tain of the steamboat "Teddy." and lives in Norfolk: and Benjamin F .. the subject of this sketch.

Benjamin F. MeHorney had very meager educational advantages. His slight schooling was received at the Oxford Orphan Asylum, in Oxford, North Carolina. He went on the water at the age of 14 years, and suffered many hardships, being ill treated, and ship- , in Elizabeth City, and is engaged in mercantile

wrecked three times. He was cabin boy on an ocean liner, which was owned by the Merritt Wrecking Company. Subsequently he was employed on a sailing vessel for a period of six years. He worked himself up from cook to scaman, then to mate, and later was promoted to the position of captain. Later, he was en- gaged in steamboating on several different lines. For the past eight months he has been in the employ of the Norfolk & Atlantic Terminal Company, and, as before stated, is captain of that company's steamboat "Belle Horton," which plies between Newport News and Sew- ell's Point. He is a good seaman, and is held in high esteem by his employers and the mem- bers of his craft.

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History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900, Part 124

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