History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900, Part 78

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 78

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City. Such measures were at once instituted as have afforded protection to the city and at a very small cost. Through his promptness of action and keen foresight, the city was saved from yellow fever during the epidemic at Hampton. Mr. Johnston was re-elected to succeed himself, but resigned to accept the po- sition he now holds and to attend to his private business.

On September 10, 1895, Mr. Johnston was joined in marriage with Clara M. Goodwin, a daughter of Benjamin F. Tebeault, and they reside in the Sixth Ward, where they are sur- rounded by all the comforts of a happy home. A man of high character and pleasing personal- ity, Mr. Johnston has greatly endeared him- self to the people of Norfolk, who recognize in him a citizen of sterling worth.

ILLIAM W. MARSHALL, secre- tary and treasurer of the Security Loan & Trust Company, and pres- ident of the Personal Property Mu- tual Fire Insurance Association, of which he was a prime organizer, is one of the live realty men of Norfolk, Virginia, and stands well to the front among the hustlers who have promoted the progress, advancement and development of that city.

Mr. Marshall is a son of James T. Mar- shall, a prominent insurance man of Norfolk, where young Marshall was born, reared and educated. When grown to manhood the son engaged in clerking in a large clothing house in his native city and followed that line of business until 1897. He then went into the real-estate business and from the start has made a specialty of selling suburban property. His first month's work proved that he had nat- ural ability for the work, as he sold over $15,000 worth of lots in Virginia Place, and has been one of the principal workers in the early development of that section.

In 1899 Mr. Marshall became associated

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with Abbott Morris and others under the firm name of Morris, Marshall & Company, in the real estate business, and the partnership then formed existed until March, 1901, when it was dissolved. This firm was strictly up-to- date and enterprising, as the result of their labor goes to show. They purchased unin- proved lots in Virginia Place, Park Place and Brambleton, building fine modern residences upon them. After otherwise improving the lots, they were sold and now stand among the most beautiful and valuable suburban homes in the city. This company also carried on fire insurance as a side line, and by so doing added to their already large income.

Since the beginning of 1901 Mr. Marshall has conducted the same kind of business, buy- ing lots, improving and building upon them and afterward selling at good round figures, by which he realized a neat sum on each invest- ment. He is connected with various other en- terprises of Norfolk.

Mr. Marshall is one of the few men who can take one dollar, invest it carefully, and in a short time realize two in its stead. Who- ever can do this has his future insured in the financial world, and is accounted among the successful men of his day.

ந ON. R. RANDOLPH HICKS, one of Norfolk's ablest lawyers, was born in Warrenton, Virginia, in 1870. There he was reared and educated by pri- vate teachers, later attending the Epis- copal High School, from which he was gradu- ated in 1886. He then took a course at the University of Virginia, completing the law course in that institution in 1890.

Mr. Hicks entered upon his law career at Roanoke, Virginia, where he opened an office. He became interested in politics, and at the age of 23 years was elected chairman of the local committee of the Democratic party. He is an able and fluent speaker, and during the

year 1897-1898 made a number of campaign speeches, and was elected a member of the State Legislature. During this time he had also succeeded in building up a good practice, but desiring a larger field decided to locate in Norfolk. He spent much of the year of 1897. in Norfolk and a year later gave up his practice in Roanoke entirely, and removed to Norfolk. He has established a fine practice in that city, and represents many of the leading enterprises in Norfolk. He stands high in the estimation of his fellow citizens, and is well known in Norfolk County as a man of much ability.

Mr. Hicks married Ella Johnson Kerr, a daughter of State's Attorney Charles G. Kerr, of Baltimore, Maryland.

® ICHARD L. FORREST, who is em- ployed as chief clerk in the joint de- partment of the Norfolk & Western Railway Company and Merchants' & Miners' Transportation Company, is one of the best-known young business men of Norfolk, Virginia. He was born in Norfolk January 18, 1869. and is a son of W. S. For- rest. W. S. Forrest was born in 1817 at Lon- don Bridge, Princess Anne County, Virginia. and possessed great literary ability. He wrote the history of Norfolk and vicinity in 1853. and also the history of the yellow fever epi- demic in Norfolk, in 1856. He was editor of the old Norfolk Argus, which was published in Norfolk about 40 years ago. He contributed many articles to leading papers and magazines, winning for himself quite a reputation in the field of literary labor. His death occurred in 1878.

Richard L. Forrest was educated in the private school of Prof. William R. Galt, and at the early age of 16 years secured a position with the Merchants' & Miners' Transportation Company. Later he was employed by the Nor- folk & Western Railway Company and the Old Dominion Steamship Company.

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Mr. Forrest was united in marriage with Sallie Robertson, a Virginian by birth. He was elected to the City Council from Atlantic City Ward, in May, 1900, and is now a mem- ber of the Select Council, being chairman of the park committee.

HOMAS JEFFERSON RAN- DOLPH, one of the most prominent lawyers of the city of Norfolk, is a descendant of the illustrious Thomas Jefferson, third President of the United States, and the founder of Democracy. He is also descended from the famous Tuck- ahoe branch of Virginia Randolphs. He was born in Albemarle County, Virginia, July 21, 1868, and is a son of Captain W. L. Randolph, C. S. Army, who, through his mother, was a great-grandson of Thomas Jefferson.

Thomas J. Randolph attended school at Charlottesville, and further pursued his studies at McCabe's university school, Petersburg, and at the University of Virginia, where he ma- triculated in 1886. He received the degrees of B. A. and B. Ph. from the latter institution in 1889, and in 1891 received the degree of M. A. He then studied law, and at the same time. during the session of 1891-1892. was instruc- tor in modern languages in the Norfolk Acad- emy. He was admitted to the bar in 1892, and has since been engaged in active practice. Al- though in a sense a conservative man, and one who can be depended upon at all times, ag- gressiveness has characterized his career from the start and 'gained for him a prominent posi- tion at the bar. He is a great upholder of the principles of Democracy, and during cam- paigns does considerable stump-speaking. He has always been identified with the Third Ward and has been active in the Third Ward Democratic Club. He was elected a member of the City Democratic Executive Committee in 1898, for a period of two years, and was re-elected in 1900 for two years more. He

was elected a delegate from the Third Ward to the gubernatorial convention which nom- inated Governor Tyler in 1897, and to the city convention of 1899, to nominate candidates for the State Legislature. He was elected a men- ber of the board of school trustees in 1898 for a period of four years. Mr. Randolph has taken an active part in military affairs, having served six years in the Lee Rifles, Company A., Fourth Regiment, Virginia Infantry, and was also adjutant of the battalion of Naval Re- serves, under Commander Cannon.

November 14. 1895, Mr. Randolph was united in marriage with Laura Lester, the daughter of Hon. Rufus E. Lester, a member of Congress from the First District of Georgia. They have two daughters, Laura Lester and Martha Jefferson. Mr. Randolph is a past master of Ruth Lodge, No. 89, A. F. & A. M .; and also past sachem of Black Hawk Tribe, No. 57. I. O. R. M., which he represented at the great council held at Danville.

RANK T. CLARK, a member of the firm known as the Frank T. Clark Company, Limited, successors to Cooke, Clark & Company, dealers in saslı, doors, blinds, hardware, etc., and gas and electric combination fixtures, is one of the most enterprising men of Norfolk, Virginia. He was born in Norfolk April 21. 1856, and is a son of Tarleton Woodson Clark, who was a lifelong resident of Norfolk.

Frank T. Clark received his mental train- ing in the schools of Norfolk, where he grew to manhood. He has devoted all his time to mercantile pursuits since beginning an active business career. The business house now known as the Frank T. Clark Company, Lim- ited, was established by Luther Sheldon in 1870. January 1, 1889, Mr. Sheldon sold the business to W. T. Cooke and Frank T. Clark, and the firm became known as Cooke, Clark & Company, under which style it continued

JOHN L. ROPER.

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until January 1, 1900, when the concern was sold to Frank T. Clark and associates. The Frank T. Clark Company, Limited, manufac- tures and handles sash, doors, blinds, hardware. plate and window glass, cabinet mantels. grates, tile work, gas, electric and combination fixtures, paints and builders' and painters' sup- plies. This is one of the leading firms of Nor- folk, and Mr. Clark occupies a conspicuous place among the prominent and influential bus- iness men of that city. He possesses more than ordinary business ability, and is a man of keen perceptions and sound judgment.

Mr. Clark is president of the Norfolk Freight & Transportation Bureau, and is also a member of the Business Men's Association. He belongs to the Royal Arcanum, and the Travelers' Protective Association. He is a Democrat in political affiliations. Religiously he is a Presbyterian. He is a man of pleasing personality and has many friends in Norfolk.

OHN L. ROPER, whose reputation as a lumberman extends far beyond the confines of his own State, has been one of the leading and most prominent cit- izens of Norfolk. Virginia, since 1865. It was in that year. in partnership with Fran- cis R. Baird, that he established the lumber business which has grown to such an enormous size, and of which he is now at the head. That the amount of business transacted each year is extensive can readily be imagined when it is stated that the landed interests of the John L. Roper Lumber Co. consists of more than 200- 000 acres, all of which is owned in fee. The value of so gigantic an enterprise to a city is incalculable, and it may be said that this com- pany has done its full share and more toward making Norfolk one of the greatest seaports in the world.

The original firm name was Baird & Ro- per. and in 1866 they built their first mill on the North Landing River, in Princess Anne

County. During the following year they built a second mill at Deep Creek in Norfolk County. The firm name was changed to J. L. Roper & Company after the death of Mr. Baird in 1876, and continued as such until 1885, when it was incorporated under the State laws of Virginia as the John L. Roper Lum- ber Company. The principle office of the com- pany is in Norfolk, located next to the Nor- folk and Portsmouth ferry docks, and their principal mills are at Gilmerton, Virginia, and Roper and Winthrop. North Carolina. . At Gilmerton, a town five miles from Norfolk. in Norfolk County, on the Southern Branch of the Elizabeth River, are located their large planing mills, with a capacity of 150,000 feet. or more, per day. They also have there a band-sawmill, with dry kilns and all modern equipment, such as electric light plant, fire de- partment, stores, churches and comfortable homes for the employes. Roper. North Caro- lina, which was named after John L. Koper, was founded by this company, and is located on the Pamlico division of the Norfolk & Southern Railroad, four miles from Albemarle Sound. This division is 30 miles long, extend- ing from Albemarle Sound to the Pungo River, and is another manifestation of the enterprise of the John L. Roper Lumber Company. It was constructed in the interest of the business and was subsequently sold to the Norfolk & Southern Railroad Company. In this town they have a well-equipped band-sawmill, dry kilns and all modern appliances for the man- ufacture of pine lumber, they being pioneers in the South in the preparation of pine himber for the Northern markets. They also have a mill used extensively in the manufacture of cedar lumber, such as tank-plank and boat- boards. They have a cedar shingle-mill, the Roper cedar shingle being well known through- out the United States. At Winthrop, North Carolina, on the Neuse River, they have a comparatively new band-sawmill, with dry kilns, etc .. for manufacturing lumber, and at other points in Virginia and North Carolina

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they have circular mills for manufacturing pine lumber. In addition to the lumber of their own manufacture, they contract for the output of other mills, and are undoubtedly the largest lumber dealers of this section. The principal products of this company are North Carolina lumber in all its forms, from boards in the rough to the finest interior woods, cedar lumber of all dimensions, telegraph arms, cedar shingles, railroad ties and cooper logs and staves. Mr. Roper is president of and the prin- cipal stockholder in the company, and has as- sociated with him in the management of the business his two sons, George W., as vice-pres- ident of the company, having general charge of the mills; and W. B., as secretary, having general supervision of the office work. R. D. Parrot, treasurer, is bookkeeper and has been identified with the company since 1867.

John L. Roper was born in Pennsylvania and is a son of Richard Byham Roper, who was born and raised to manhood in Lowther, England. His mother was Esther A. Reyn- olds, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The sub- ject of this sketch came from Norfolk in 1865. and since that time has been prominently iden- tified with various interests of the city. His entire time has not been devoted to his business, and he has never been too busy to assist those who were not so fortunate and successful as himself. He is of charitable disposition and has given freely of time and money to worthy charitable organizations. He has served as president of the United Charities of the city since its inception and has given much atten- tion to the Union Mission. He has been a member of the various Masonic bodies of the city and State, and was instrumental in the organization of the Masonic Relief Associa- tion, through which the Masonic Temple, of Norfolk, was built. He has been interested in educational work, and indirectly through his efforts the Norfolk College was built; he was president of this institution for about 18 or 20 years. For many years he was president of the Norfolk & Princess Anne Turnpike Company,

and at the present time is president of the North Carolina Pine Association, the Sea- board Fire Insurance Company and the Roper Storage Company. He is also financially in- terested in many other enterprises. While never active in politics he has served several terms in the City Council, having been president of the Common branch one term. A portrait of Mr. Roper accompanies this sketch, being pre- sented on a foregoing page.

AMES N. PEED is a member of the firm of M. L. T. Davis & Company, dealers in wholesale groceries at No. 183 Water street, Norfolk, Norfolk County, Virginia. He was born in Portsmouth, Virginia, in 1869, and is a son of S. S. Peed, and grandson of James Peed.

James Peed was a native of Norfolk Coun- ty, and was of English and Scotch descent. His son, S. S. Peed, father of the subject of this sketch, was also a native of Norfolk Coun- ty. His death occurred in October, 1895. For 18 years he was manager of the George L. Crow Company. He was a strong Democrat in politics and served as chairman of several committees while a member of the City Coun- cil of Portsmouth. He married Elizabeth F. Neville, also a native of Portsmouth. She lives in that city with her son, the subject of this sketch.

James N. Peed, whose name opens these lines, was reared and educated in Portsmouth, and in 1884 entered the grocery store of M. L. T: Davis & Company, taking a clerical po- sition. He is now a member of the company, of which he is also manager. This firm is probably the largest of the kind in Norfolk, and its business covers the territory of Virginia and North Carolina. Mr. Peed has done much to assist in the growth of this firm, and is thor- oughly competent to manage such a large con- cern. He is possessed of good judgment and

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unusually keen perceptions, and his long busi- ness experience has made him an authority in his line.

James N. Peed married Mattie Corbitt, of Southampton County, Virginia, and two chil- dren have been born to them namely: Mar- garet C. and Samuel. He has always made his home in Portsmouth, where he is well known and highly esteemed for his good citi- zenship.

Mr. Peed's brother, Dr. George M. Peed, is a graduate of the University of Virginia, and also of the Johns Hopkins Hospital. He re- turned to Portsmouth in 1897, practiced one year and was then appointed assistant surgeon of the Fourth Regiment, Virginia Infantry, U. S. V., being sent to Jacksonville, Florida. He was next sent to the division hospital in Cuba. and later returned to Portsmouth, where he was mustered out. He was reappointed and sent back to Cuba for six months and later re- ported at Camp Meade, where he acted as ex- amining physician for recruits. He then went to the Philippines with the regiment and was on active duty for 18 months as Ist assistant surgeon. He was finally appointed captain and returned to America on a 90-days' leave, when he was made surgeon, with rank of major. He returned to the Philippines in July, 1901.

EORGE MCKENDREE BAIN. one of the prominent educators of Norfolk. Virginia, has been connected with the schools of that city since 1894. He comes from a fine old Virginia family and was born at Portsmouth May II. 1859. His great-grandfather, James Britian Bain, lived in Portsmouth. George Bain, his grandfather. also lived in Portsmouth, and was engaged in the banking and insurance business. George M. Bain, his father, was born in 1826. and is now living in Norfolk. He married

Willie F. Cherry, who was born in that city in 1827.

George McKendree Bain grew to manhood in his native town. He was a pupil in a private school at Norfolk and later attended Randolph College, near Richmond, and the University of Virginia. There he was graduated in 1883, receiving the degree of M. A. He then began the study of law at the University of Virginia and also attended Columbia College at New York City. He next went abroad and remained one year, after which he returned to Virginia and took up his present vocation, that of teach- ing. His first service in that capacity was in the Kenmore High School. Since 1894. he has been identified with the schools of Norfolk, and has been deeply interested in their growth and advancement. He is a deep student and a man of scholarly attainments. He stands among the foremost educators of Norfolk County and this section of Virginia, and is widely and fa- vorably known.

Mr. Bain is a Democrat in politics. He be- longs to no fraternal organizations. Socially he is a member of the Virginia Club and the Country Club, of Norfolk.

HARLES W. COLEMAN, attorney- at-law in the city of Portsmouth, Norfolk County, Virginia, was born in Caroline County, Virginia. He was educated at Richmond College, from which he graduated, after which he taught school. He then read law, and after- ward took a course in the University of Vir- ginia, and was admitted to the bar in 1892. He at once began practice in the Kirn Building in Portsmouth, where his office is now located. He is engaged in general practice, and has a large clientage. Previous to practicing his profession he was principal of the Churchland Academy. Mr. Coleman is a lawyer of marked ability, and a man of scholarly attainments ;

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he is possessed of much shrewdness and good judgment. He married Virginia J. Griffin, a daughter of John T. Griffin, and they reside in Norfolk County, where they are well- known. They are members of the Christian Church. Mr. Coleman is a Democrat in politics and has received several import- ant nominations. At one time he was a candi- date for the Senate. His prospects of a splen- did future in legal circles are promising.

OLONEL C. A. NASH, a repre- sentative citizen of Norfolk, Vir- ginia, has been identified with many important enterprises of the city for many years. He has a military rec- ord of which he and his family may justly feel proud.

Colonel Nash was born in Norfolk County, Virginia, and at the age of 16 years became a member of the Norfolk Junior Rifles. After serving in that organization for some time he joined the Norfolk Light Artillery . Blues. He was a member of that command at the outbreak of the war and continued thus until his elec- tion as first sergeant of the Jackson Grays, ir, July, 1861. The company was recruited in Colonel Nash's native county. After seeing some service at Sewell's Point, this com- pany, on the evacuation of Norfolk, proceeded to Petersburg, where it was assigned to duty as Company A, 6Ist Regiment, Virginia In- fantry. In the following October the regi- ment was assigned to Mahone's Brigade. Col- onel Nash took part in all the battles in which his regiment was engaged until the severe wounds he had sustained compelled him to go to the hospital. His first wounds were re- ceived the battle of the Crater, on July 30, 1864, and on August 19th of the same year, he was more seriously wounded at Davis Farm and was forced to retire from the field. Later he resigned his commission in the 61st Regi- ment and sought and obtained the consent of

the Secretary of War to enlist in Mosby's bat- talion of partisan rangers, as a private. In the ranks of this daring command he served until its disbandment subsequent to the sur- render of General Lee and the fall of Rich- mond. After the war Colonel Nash took no active part in miltary affairs until his election as first lieutenant of the Norfolk City Guard, May 3. 1877. September 23, 1879, he suc- ceeded to the command of that company. He was elected major of the 4th Regiment, Vir- ginia Volunteers, March 2, 1885, and attained the rank of colonel on October 7, 1890. This he resigned in 1896.

Colonel Nash has long been prominent in the business circles of Norfolk ; he is connected with many commercial enterprises and is a director in one of the city's most important banks. It is a fact well worthy of mention that Colonel Nash is a self-made man to the fullest extent implied in that term. He started out after the war with willing hands and with the same determination that characterized his life as a soldier during the bloody conflict from 1861 to 1865, and by fair dealing with all men, he has become one of Norfolk's most success- ful and valued citizens.

In political belief he adheres to the princi- ples promulgated by the Democratic party and has been called upon to fill many important offices. He served in the Council of Norfolk many years and was chairman of the finance committee. He is a Mason and is connected with numerous other fraternal organizations.

EV. WILLIAM VANN SAVAGE, pastor of the Churchland Baptist Church, Norfolk County, Virginia, was born in Hertford County, North Carolina. April 6, 1864. He is a son of Robert R. Savage.

Robert R. Savage, who was also a Baptist minister, was born October 14, 1832, in Nan- semond County, Virginia, and graduated from

THEODORE JACKSON WOOL.

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the Wake Forest College of North Carolina. He spent most of his life in North Carolina and was one of the most prominent preachers of that State in his day. He married Rowena Vann, who was born in Hertford County, North Carolina, December 19. 1840, and they reared five children, namely : William V., the subject of this sketch : Carrie, who married J. L. Camp: Lizzie: Mary, who married Rev. 11. T. Williams : and Toy D., a law student at the University of Virginia.

Rev. William V. Savage, whose name heads these lines, attended the Buckhorn Acad- emy of Hertford County, North Carolina, and later graduated from Wake Forest College. North Carolina, in 1884. Ile then taught school in Raleigh, North Carolina, acting in the capacity of principal of the city schools for three years. He also taught in the academy at Henderson, North Carolina. Rev. Mr. Sav- age was ordained to the ministry in 1891. and for a period of six years occupied a pulpit in North Carolina. He located at Churchland. Virginia, in 1897. where he has since resided. He is a man of scholarly attainments and has done much noble work in his chosen profession. He has a large congregation who honor him for his teachings and upright life.

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History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900, Part 78

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