History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900, Part 75

Author: Stewart, William H. (William Henry), 1838-1912
Publication date: 1902
Publisher: Chicago : Biographical Publishing Co.
Number of Pages: 1054

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Butler and Porter were defeated, only one gun was injured. It was in the first fight that an unsuccessful attempt was made to destroy the works by an explosion of a powder-ship with 250 tons of powder. In the second bombard- ment the land-face guns, 20 in number, were taken in detail and after a terrific, direct and enfilading fire for three days and two nights, 19 of these guns were rendered unserviceable, although the works proper was only slightly injured. The work, which was built of timber, sand and turf, was constructed for sea-coast defense only against ships, the shifting sands rendering a moat impossible without masonry, which was not obtainable, and the palisade-line in front of the land-face was thrown up mere- ly to prevent surprise from a sudden landing from a fleet when the garrison was reduced to less than 600. Colonel Lamb had no engi- neer detailed to assist him in the work, but his plans were approved by Beauregard, Long- street, French, Whiting and Raines.

"After the Confederate War, this fort was adopted as the model at West Point for in- structing the cadets in sea-coast fortifications, the plan of Sebastopol having previously been used, and was continued until the modern plan of a fort constructed of sand, concrete and turf was adopted and which plan carries out many of the improvements of the previous plan which had been made by Colonel Lamb in the construction of Fort Fisher. Had the work been completed as designed by Colonel Lamb, it is believed by most eminent engineers that a small force could have held the works against all comers, notwithstanding the co-operation of the fleet. The capture of Fort Fisher was a new departure in the reduction of forts. The immense fleet did the work in a few days, that a regular land siege would have taken months to do in the way of disarming the fort, and while the garrison was under a terrific fire for three days and two nights, rendering repairs impossible, besiegers were resting quietly and were able to approach within 100 yards of the works in comparative safety. The garrison

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numbered not over 1.500 men, while the troops that landed from the transports were 8,500 and were re-enforced by 2,000 sailors and marines. After the fort was entered the strug- gle lasted from 3:30 until 9 p. m. Most of the time the fleet co-operated with the army after they entered the works, by means of sig- naling, and while necessarily some few of the Federals were killed by this fire from the fleet. it was more destructive to the Confederates than the fire of the assailants in the fort and prevented the garrison from dislodging the army after the sailors and marines had been re- pulsed. At the capture of Fort Fisher, the bombardment was not only the greatest that ever occurred in history in weight of metal, but it was the longest hand to hand fight dur- ing the Confederate War. The Federal loss in killed and wounded was nearly as many as there were soldiers in the garrison.

"Since the war Colonel Lamb has given the harbor of Norfolk the benefit of the knowledge he acquired as an engineer in tidal currents. having had one island in his command with two guns swept away and his mound threat- ened, requiring him to use every expedient for the protection of his works against the shift- ing currents of the river and sea. He has, also, in the work of Whiting upon the Cape Fear River, an object lesson in the value of jetties in preserving channel-ways, which he prac- tically applied to the Elizabeth River, with the advice and approval of Gen. John Newton, Chief of Engineers, when the coal trestle of the Norfolk & Western Railway was run out to Lambert's Point Light House on a solid bulkhead, the channel. both north and south of the river, having been greatly improved by the structure.'

Avoiding public life when he returned to Norfolk. Colonel Lamb devoted himself to de- veloping the natural resources of the city and State. He manages the large shiftments of coal, fostered by the Norfolk & Western Rail- way, which have made Norfolk the principal coaling station of the Atlantic Coast. He was

the first to formulate and use a through bill of lading from interior cities to Europe via Norfolk. He has been repeatedly elected pres- ident of the different boards of trade in Nor- folk, and is now president of its Chamber of Commerce. In 1876 he was a delegate to the Democratic National Convention which nom- inated Samuel J. Tilden for the United States presidency, and he has had a more or less ac- tive part in State politics since that date, hav- ing presided at four State conventions, and been twice on the presidential electoral ticket. He was mayor of Norfolk for six years. For more than 20 years Colonel Lamb has been president of the Norfolk Seamen's Friend So- ciety, and he is now a manager of the Jackson Orphan Asylum. Since the war he has con- tributed at least $50,000 to the comfort and maintenance of the unfortunate companions of his soldier days.

Colonel Lamb has addressed various soci- eties upon agricultural, commercial, biographi- cal and social subjects. In 1899 St. Lawrence University in Canton, New York, conferred upon him the degree of LL. D. He married in Providence, Rhode Island, in 1857. Sarah A. Chaffee, a lady distinguished for her beauty and accomplishments.

ILLIAM F. SHUMADINE, a well- known truck farmer, is a promi- nent citizen of Lambert's Point, Virginia, and his occupation is that of many of his neighbors and friends. He was born in Norfolk County. in the vicinity of his present home, which was also the birthplace of his father. He is a son of F. B. and Elizabeth ( Wood) Shumadine. His father was successfully engaged in farming for many years. About six years ago hie retired from active ser- vice to live upon the competency gained in many years of toil. He was born in 1827, and his wife, who is also a Virginian by

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birth, was born in 1830. They reared eight children, among them the following: John E., a carpenter at Lambert's Point; William F .; James Henry and Walter Lee, both grocers in Norfolk; and Charles Thomas and Albert Jackson, who are market gardeners.

William F. Shumadine was educated in the public schools of his native place and from the first years of his manhood devoted the most of his attention to agricultural pursuits. He now has a well-improved farm which is in a state of high cultivation, and upon this pro- ductive place, market gardening is carried on extensively, many of the products being sent north to New York City, where they are dis- posed of quickly and profitably.

Mr. Shumadine was joined in the bonds of matrimony with Mabel Elizabeth Thear, a daughter of James Thear, a respected resident of Norfolk County, Virginia, of which Mrs. Shumadine is a native, her birth having taken place in 1874. She is one of a family of three children, the others being, Blanche, the wife of Cliff Stanley, who is employed in the clerical department of the Norfolk & Western Rail- way ; and Eulia, who is deceased.

The subject of this sketch and his esti- mable wife have no children. They enjoy to a large degree the confidence and respect of their neighbors, and dispense hospitality with a free and generous hand. They are active members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Socially Mr. Shumadine affiliates with the I. O. O. F .. and in his political views is a Dem- ocrat and consistently upholds his chosen party.

D R. W. J. GRIMES has a large and lu- crative practice in and about the beautiful city of Norfolk, Virgina, where he located in 1886, and where lie has followed his profession con- tinuously since that time. He is located at No. 215 West Brambleton avenue. He was born on the Western. Branch of the Elizabeth

River March 5, 1854. He is a son of William Staughton and Elizabeth F. (Taylor) Grimes.

The Grimes family is of English extraction and the ancestors of the Doctor fought under Oliver Cromwell. William Staughton Grimes, the father, is still living and reached his 75th mile-stone October 28, 1901. He followed farming nearly all of his active days, but is now spending the sunset of life with his eldest daughter and her family. He was twice mar- ried and each of his wives was a devout mem- ber of the Baptist Church, in which he has; filled the office of deacon for many years. His first marriage was contracted with Elizabeth F. Taylor, the mother of Dr. Grimes, who was a daughter of James Taylor. Her father was an own cousin of Rev. James B. Taylor, one of the first Baptist missionaries to Rome. Six children were born of this union, W. J., the subject of this narrative, being the eldest. Two died in infancy, and the others are as follows : Mary F., wife of W. B. Carney, who resides on a farm on the Western Branch of the Elizabeth River ; Lucy A., wife of John S. Wise, a son of John S. Wise, Sr., who is a cousin of Gov- ernor Wise and John Beauregard, whose birth took place in 1861, and who is now residing in Isle of Wight County. Dr. Grime's mother died in 1865. in the 30th year of her life. Some time later his father married again, being united with Martha A. Carney. Again he was called upon to mourn the loss of his companion, for in November, 1898, his second wife died, aged 76 years.

Dr. Grimes attended public school in his boyhocd, meanwhile assisting his father on the farm1. Later he attended Church- land Academy, and read medicine under the preceptorship of Dr. Edwin Phillips. of Suffolk. He subsequently attended the University of Virginia, taking a medical course and afterward entered Jefferson Med- ical College, at Philadelphia, from which he was graduated in the class of 1881. Re- turning to his native State he began practice at Smithfield, where he remained for seven years.

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during which period he built up an extensive practice in that locality. About that time Dr. Grimes decided to seek a broader field for his labors and. December 2, 1886, he removed to Norfolk, in his native county, where he has since resided. His patronage has assumed large proportions, many of the leading citizens of the city being numbered among his patients. Such splendid results of his efforts have been attained only by assiduously attending to pro- fessional duties.

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January 1. 1884. Dr. Grimes formed a matrimonial alliance with Hannah M. Brown. a native of Smithfield. Virginia. This union resulted in the birth of three children, viz. : Hazel Purcell, Lucille Carney and Jessie Will- ard. June 27. 1897. Dr. Grimes was called upon to bear the loss of his beloved companion. who passed into the realms of the unknown in the 28th year of her life. her birth having taken place July 4. 1869. She was very active in church work, being a member of the Baptist Church, in which faith her husband was also reared. his mother having been a very devout and religious woman. Dr. Grimes is popular and is held in high esteem by his fellow citi- zens.

5 ERBERT M. NASH. M. D .. a distin- guished physician and surgeon of Norfolk, Virginia, whose portrait is herewith shown, is a native of Norfolk, in the immediate vicinity of which the Nash family has resided for more than two centuries. Among the first houses erected on the original plat of the city, about 1680, was one by Thomas Nash and one by Thomas Walke. In connection with this fact. it is an interesting coincidence that the only surviving surgeons of the Confederate Army residing in the city are Dr. Herbert M. Nash and Dr. Frank A. Walke.

It was a Thomas Nash, a native of Wales, who was the first of this family in Virginia ; with his wife, Anne, he settled in Lower Nor-

folk County. in 1665. The name was trans- mitted with filial respect, and his grandson. Thomas Nash, was for many years a vestry- man of St. Bride's Parish. Norfolk County, a position in the Colony of Virginia held by gen- tlemen only, and, including as it did, the func- tions of a magistrate, it was one of responsi- bility. The grandfather of Dr. Herbert M. Nash, the fourth Thomas in descent, took part in the battle of Great Bridge ( 10 miles from Norfolk ) December 9. 1775, and was severely wounded. This battle, in which the troops of North Carolina and Virginia, under Colonel Woodford, repulsed the British troops of Lord Dunmore, slaying the commander of the at- tacking force. Captain Fordyce, and killing and wounding between 100 and 200 men, was the first decisive battle of the war, compared to which the affairs at Concord and Lexington were insignificant. Continuing in service, Cap- tain Thomas Nash was captured in a hazardous enterprise toward the end of the war and was confined in a prison-ship until the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown. when he was released. During the last war with Great Britain, 1812- 1814. he constructed the gunboats that, with the U. S. S. "Constellation" and the State troops on Craney Island, near the mouth of the Elizabeth River, signally defeated Admiral Cockburn's combined land and water attack upon that post. June 22. 1813. One of his sons, Abner Nash, served with the artillery in that action.

Dr. Thomas Nash, father of Dr. Herbert M., was noted for his suave manners, his guile- less disposition and his unaffected Christian demeanor. He honored the loftiest ideals of his calling by devoting himself fearlessly, al- though in broken health, to the care of the afflicted during the terrible yellow fever scourge of 1855. and met his death calmly and honor- ably in the discharge of duty. His wife, the mother of the subject of this sketch. was Lydia Adela Herbert. The Herberts settled in Lower Norfolk about 1650. and were generally men of affairs and extensive landowners. Her

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father was sent to England in his youth, where he studied the higher mathematics and scien- tific ship-building. This industry he success- fully conducted near Norfolk for some years, converting the timber from his own lands into the material for ships, for which the port was celebrated in the busy, earlier years of the past century.

Dr. Herbert M. Nash, whose lineage has thus been briefly mentioned, was born in 1831. After obtaining an academic education in the schools of Norfolk,-particularly the classical school of James D. Johnson, and the Norfolk Military Academy,-he repaired to the Uni- versity of Virginia, from which he received the degree of Doctor of Medicine June 29, 1852. After some time spent in the study of clinical medicine and surgery in New York City, he began the practice of his profession in Norfolk in the fall of 1853. Two years later he was called upon to face the appalling epidemic of yellow fever that destroyed a third of the peo- ple who remained in the city, including those nearest and dearest to him. He did his duty, fighting the unseen, deadly foe with a steadi- ness which was subsequently again manifested in his ministrations to the wounded on the battle-field. He is now the only survivor of the medical men who were on duty in Norfolk in 1855. In 1861, immediately after the se- cession of Virginia from the Union and its adherence to the Confederate States, he was commissioned as assistant surgeon in the State forces and subsequently transferred to the Pro- visional Army, Confederate States. He was stationed at Craney Island until that post was evacuated in May. 1862. Here he witnessed the naval battle of March 9, 1862, in which the Confederate States iron-clad steamer "Vir- ginia" destroyed the "Cumberland" and "Con- gress," and the scattering of the remaining United States naval ships from Hampton Roads. He also saw the battle of the next day between the "Virginia" and the "Monitor." the latter finally withdrawing into shallow wat- er, out of the reach of the "Virginia," which

ship, being of heavier draught, could not again force the "Monitor" into close quarters. Nor did the latter ever subsequently accept the chal- lenges of the "Virginia" for another combat. In the evening of the day of this battle Dr. Nash attended to the wounded of the Confed- erate States gunboat "Raleigh," Captain W. H. Parker, which was engaged in the fight. Dr. Nash was with his command at the battle of Seven Pines and later, in the Seven Days' fighting around Richmond, ending at Malvern Hill, and in the retreat of Mcclellan's army to the protection of his ships at Harrison's Land- ing, on the James River. He was detailed to care for the wounded in the skirmishes along the Rappahannock after the battle of Cedar Mountain, and only rejoined Lee's army after the battle of Antietam. Promoted to be sur- geon, he was now ordered to the 61st Regi- ment, Virginia Infantry, and was with it at the battles of Fredericksburg. Chancellorsville,. Salem Church and Gettysburg. Afterward ordered to the artillery of Hill's Corps, he was present with it at the battles of the Wilderness, Spottsylvania Court House, Hanover Junction, Cold Harbor and, after Grant's change of base, Petersburg. During the siege of Petersburg he was placed in charge of the medical depart- ment of the artillery of Hill's (3d) Army Corps, as its chief surgeon, and reorganized some of its field hospitals. He was with his command when the army retired from Peters- burg after its lines were broken, and was cap- tured after being disabled in a cavalry dash near Appomattox Court House, but was pa- roled with the Army of Northern Virginia the next day after its surrender, May 9. 1865. Dr. Nash's brother, Thomas Nash, was an offi- cer of artillery and ordnance in the Confederate States Army.

Resuming the practice of his profession in Norfolk, after the close of the war between the States, his indefatigable devotion to pro- fessional work, regardless of fatigue or ex- posure, soon secured for him merited distinc- tion. He was for some years the quarantine

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medical officer of the District of Elizabeth River, an unsolicited appointment made by the Governor of Virginia in view of Dr. Nash's familiarity with the subject of infectious fe- vers. This position he was forced to resign be- cause of the demands of his practice.

Dr. Nash was for some time president of the Norfolk Board of Health, and systema- tized its operations. He was for several terms the president of the Norfolk Medical Society, of which he was one of the original members. He has for many years been a member of the American Medical Assocation, American Pub- lic Association, Southern Surgical and Gyne- cological Association, a member, and ex-vice- president, of the Medical Examining Board of Virginia, and ex-president and honorary mem- ber of the State Medical Society. He was the pioneer in his city in gynecological work, a branch of surgery that has occupied no little amount of his time.

His contributions to medical literature have been made principally in the city and State societies. He is visiting physician of Hospital St. Vincent de Paul, and consulting surgeon to the Norfolk Protestant Hospital.

In 1867 Dr. Nash was married to Mary A. Parker, daughter of Nicholas Wilson Parker, Esq., who, under the old regime in Virginia had long been a member of the old Corpora- tion Courts, of which the justices served with- out remuneration, and their decisions were sel- dom reversed. Her grandfather, Copeland Parker, held a position in the customs depart- ment of the first union of the States, and sub- sequently was surveyor of the ports of Smith- field and Norfolk. Her great-grandfather. Nicholas Parker, resided at his seat, Maccles- field, Isle of Wight County. Virginia, which he inherited and which subsequently became the property of his eldest son. Colonel Josiah Parker, who was a distinguished officer of the Virginia line in the Revolution, and the first member of Congress from his district, under the present Constitution of the United States. Another brother of her grandfather, Nicholas,

was a lieutenant in the Virginia line, and died at Leesburg while enroute to join Washing- ton's army at the North. The Parker family held a prominent position in England before the settlement of some of its members in Vir- ginia. Dr. and Mrs. Nash have two daughters, Elizabeth Parker and Mary Louisa. Dr. Nash is, both by hereditary proclivity and convic- tion an adherent of the Protestant Episcopal Church, and has been for years a vestryman of old St. Paul's Church, erected in 1739. Dr. Nash is president of the Board of Quarantine Commissioners for the District of Elizabeth River, which office he has held since the death of William H. Peters.

HOMAS VANDERBERRY has been successfully carrying on the business of a truck farmer, or market gar- dener, on the land which constitutes his homestead, at Lambert's Point, Norfolk County, Virginia, where he established his business many years ago. Mr. Vander- berry was born at Lambert's Point, February 28. 1831, and is a son of Edward and Mary (Garrison) Vanderberry. The former turned his attention to farming during his early man- hood and continued that vocation during all his active life. He died at the advanced age of 85 years. He and his wife were natives of Virginia, the latter, like his son, Thomas, hav- ing been born at Lambert's Point. Mrs. Van- derberry lived to attain the age of 80 years, and was the mother of nine children. of whom three survive. namely : Martha, W. J. and Thomas, both sons following agricultural pur- suits.

Thomas Vanderberry was reared on his father's farm and early in life decided to de- vote his attention to market gardening. He is an expert in his line of business and his years of experience and practical work have given him a clear insight into the business and i thoroughly qualified him to make it a success.

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He was united in marriage with Mary Frances Davis, who was born at Lambert's Point March 31, 1840.

Five children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Vanderberry, three daughters and two sons, namely : Indiana, who died at the age of 16 years and eight days; Louisiana, who married L. W. Shumadine, a prosperous merchant in Norfolk: Nettie Frances, who married Frank Robinson. a truck farmer of some prominence at Lambert's Point ; and Thomas L. and Len- wood Beal, who live at home.

In politics Mr. Vanderberry favors the Democratic party and takes a lively interest in both local and national affairs, as should all true citizens. The family worship at the Chris- tian Church, of which they are devout mem- bers.

SAAC W. MILLER. This enterprising, wide-awake citizen of Lambert's Point, Virginia, has acquired a considerable reputation as a successful agriculturist and market gardener in Norfolk Coun- ty. He was born in 1857, upon the same farmi which is his home, and which has been the scene of his lifelong labors.

Cater Miller, his father, was a native of North Carolina, and mainly followed farm- ing. He is now living in retirement and en- joying the fruits of an industrious and well- spent life, untroubled by thoughts of the fu- ture. Isaac W. Miller's mother, whose maiden name was Sarah Vanderberry, is a daughter of Edward Vanderberry, who, like the major- ity of his neighbors, followed truck farming in the vicinity of Lambert's Point, where Mrs. Miller was born. Five children were born to her and her husband, namely: Emma; Isaac W .: J. T .: Adeline ; and C. F. The last named follows truck gardening in the vicinity of Isaac W. Emma is the widow of the late Henry Cooper. Adeline married H. J. Robin- son, and resides on a farm near the homeplace.

Isaac W. Miller received his mental train-

ing in the public schools, which he attended while working mornings and evenings on his father's farm. When grown to manhood he naturally followed the same work as his father. In 1898 he was joined in marriage with Emily S. Styron, a daughter of W. D. Styron, of Norfolk. Mrs. Miller is one of a family of five children, the others being-George, now de- ceased; Florence, who married Albert J. Shu- madine, a prosperous market gardener at Lam- bert's Point : and Loulie and Mary, yet unmar- ried. Mary makes her home with Mr. and Mrs. Miller, who now have three little ones of. their own. The eldest of these is a son, who bears the name of Isaac W., Jr. The second is a daughter called Ethel Vernice, and the third is an infant, yet unnamed. Both Mr. and Mrs. Miller are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. They are highly es- teemed in their neighborhood and are entitled to be classed among its best citizens.

Politically Mr. Miller is a Republican. He is greatly respected for his straightforward business methods and excellent personal traits of character.

APT. ISAIAH BARKER, a gentle- man of wide acquaintance in Nor- folk, Virginia, and its vicinity, is manager of the Norfolk branch of the extensive oyster industry con- trolled by the firm of R. R. Higgins & Com- pany. He was born in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, December 31, 1841, and is a son of Isaiah and Betsey ( Higgins) Barker, his mother being an aunt of R. R. and A. Hig- gins, who form the firm of R. R. Higgins & Company.

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History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900, Part 75

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