History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900, Part 90

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

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on the "Merrimac" to Norfolk, arriving in February. 1860. He was then stationed at the Norfolk Navy Yard. He served in the capacity of lieutenant from 1855 to 1861. when he re- signed. He was appointed a lieutenant in the Confederate States Navy, and for three months was stationed at the Naval Hospital under Com. Charles F. McIntosh, drilling troops. He was sent to Richmond and assigned to the naval department under Commodore Samuel Barron, on the Sounds of North Carolina, with a view to closing up Newman. In the fall, the Federal fleet attacked Hatteras Inlet forts, Commodore Barron going ashore and taking charge of the forts on the second day. Before noon of the next day. they surrendered and the garrison was captured. Lieutenant Sharp was taken aboard the "Minnesota" and carried to New York under Commander Stringham ; he landed at Governor's Island : where he was imprisoned for three months. He was then sent to Fort Warren, and two weeks later was sent with others to Hampton Roads, where, nine days later, he was exchanged for John L. Worden, who afterward commanded the "Monitor." Lieutenant Sharp was sent to Richmond, and then became a member of the board of examiners at Mobile, Charleston, Savannah, Wilmington and Richmond. Then he went with Commodore Samuel Barron, to Nashville, Tennessee, to blockade the Tennes- see and Cumberland rivers. The battle of Murfreesboro (Tennessee) prevented any ac- tion, and they returned to Richmond. Captain Sharp was then for two years in command of the gunboat. "Beaufort," and from that was transferred to Kinston, North Carolina, where he superintended the building of the gunboat "Neuse," in the spring of 1864. In the sum- mer of 1864 he was appointed naval ordnance officer at Charleston. South Carolina. and re- mained there until the early winter. In 1865, he was relieved from duty at Charleston, just after the surrender of Lee. He has been en- gaged in various business pursuits since the war, and resides at No. 200 Freemason street,

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Norfolk. In 1856, he was united in marriage with Eliza D. Williams, a daughter of John Williams, who hell the position of Clerk of the Court of the City of Norfolk, for a number of years. She was a descendant from the New- tons and Armisteads, whose history is given elsewhere in this volume. They became par- ents of the following children: William Wil- loughby, who is a member of the well-known firm of Sharp & Bryan, Exchange Place. New York, and whose success in business in that connection has been well merited : Walter New- ton, the well-known financial writer of the Vex' York Sun; and Julia A .. who married Captain Willoughby Walke, of the United States Light Artillery. stationed at Fortress Monroe.

Charles Sharp. second son of William Wil- loughby Sharp, was born October 18. 1829. and graduated with distinction at the Uni- versity of Virginia. At the age of 21 years. he commenced the practice of law in Norfolk. Virginia, which he continued alone for years. with marked success. During the war he was a member of the United Artillery Company. of Norfolk. He became a member of the firm of Scarborough. Duffield & Sharp, after the war. Subsequently, severing connection with them. he became the senior member of the celebrated admiralty law-firm of Sharp & Hughes. Some years ago. Mr. Sharp decided to withdraw from that firm, and has since practiced alche. although his health is not of the best. He mar- ried. in 1857. Lucy Southall, a daughter of Hon. Valentine Southall. of Charlottesville. Virginia, and they have two children living. namely: Florence, wife of Lieutenant Com- mander Albert W. Grant, U. S. Navy, and W. W. Sharp, a resident of Norfolk County.

Walter Sharp, youngest son of William Willoughby Sharp, married Mary Reardon, a daughter of H. B. Reardon of Norfolk, and she died within a year after their marriage. He formed a second union, wedding Susan Holi- day. of Baltimore, Maryland, and they have the following living children: George I. of New York City: Louisa of Norfolk: Walter D. of

Norfolk : Lewis of Atlanta, Georgia : and Etta, Mary and Tilghman, of Norfolk.

Claudia Sharp ( Wilson), eldest daughter of William Wiloughby Sharp, was born in Norfolk. Virginia. She married George Rid- dick Wilson, a son of George Wilson, who at one time was presiding justice of the Norfolk County Court. The issue of this union was : Bird, who died young: William Sharp, who perished when but 21 years of age, on board the California steamer "Bienville." when it was burned at sea off San Salvador: Mary Wil- loughby, who married, at Annapolis. Lieuten- ant Commander Hugo Osterhaus, U. S. Navy, by whom she has two children .- Ensign Hugo. U. S. Navy, and Carl. a student at the Uni- versity of Virginia; and Evelyn, who died about 1896, was the wife of Lieutenant .Alfred Miles. U. S. Navy, who died of yellow fever aboard the United States steamer "Nypsic." in New York harbor. Lieutenant Miles and his wife are survived by two children .- Claudia Wilson Miles of Annapolis, Maryland; and Alfred Miles of Norfolk. Virginia. Mrs. Claudia Wilson survives her husband ( who died about 1889). and resides at Annapolis.

Eliza F. Sharp ( Southall ), second daugh- ter of William Willoughby Sharp. married James Cocke Southall. LL. D., formerly editor of the Richmond Enquirer and the Central Presbyterian, and an author of some note, who was the eldest son of Valentine Wood Southall. The Southall family is one of prominence in Virginia. In 1825. Valentine Wood Southall married Martha Cocke, a singular conjunction here. as both parties were descended in a double line from Richard Cocke ( I), the first of the Cocke family in America. Martha Cocke (7). daughter of James Powell Cocke (6). was descended through James Powell Cocke (4). from Thomas Cocke (2). eldest son of Richard Cocke (I). Through her mother. Lucy Smith, she was descended from William Cocke ( 2), father of Mary Cocke ( 3). wife of Obadiah Smith. Valentine Wood Southall was descended from Martha Cocke

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(4), who married Henry Wood, in 1724. She was a daughter of William (3), son of Jolin (2), who was a son of Richard ( I). This was his maternal line. His grandfather, Colonel Turner Southall, married Martha Vandewall, who was the daughter of Martha (Cocke) Pleasants, who was the daughter of Martha Cocke (3), who was the daughter of Richard Cocke (2), son of Richard Cocke (1). Thus the pair trace their descent to four of the five sons of Richard Cocke (1), and Richard Cocke, the younger, of Charles City, alone is not represented. Col. Turner Southall, pater- nal grandfather of Valentine Wood Southall, was a very prominent figure in Henrico Coun- ty, Virginia, in the last quarter of the eight- eenth century. He represented Henrico Coun- ty in the House of Delegates from 1778 to 1784, and was a member of the State Senate in 1790, at the time of his death, from the sena- torial district of Henrico, Goochland and Louisa counties. He was colonel commandant of the County of Henrico, and was very active during the Revolution. He was a member of the Committee of Safety in 1774-1775, and was appointed on a commission to erect the new capitol building in Richmond, and to lay off the streets of the new city ; was a director of public buildings, and one of the trustees to im- prove the navigation of the James River. In 1785, he was vestryman, with Peyton Ran- dolph and Bowler Cocke, of Henrico Parish. He was connected with every important public movement in Henrico County, from 1770, to 1790. Maj. Stephen Southall, of Henrico County, who served as a lieutenant throughout the Revolutionary War, was the father of Val- entine Wood Southall, and made his home in Richmond. Valentine Wood Southall was for many years a leading member of the bar of Al- bemarle County ; for many years he represented Albemarle County in the House of Delegates, of which body he was speaker. He was a mem- ber of the Constitutional Convention of 1850- 1851 ; attorney for the Commonwealth, of Al-

bemarle County, for many years ; a member of the State Convention of 1861, and acting presi- dent of that body after President Janney's sick- ness. The children of Dr. James C. and Eliza F. (Sharp) Southall are,-James P. C., pro- fessor in the Alabama School of Technology at Auburn, Alabama ; and Evelyn H., of Nor- folk, Virginia. Mrs. Southall is a widow and now resides at No. 456 Fremason street, Nor- folk, Virginia.

Referring to the maternal ancestry of Jolin Howard Sharp, his grandfather was Dr. Jo- seph Schoolfield, U. S. Navy. The School- field family came with Lord Baltimore to Maryland, one part remaining in Maryland and the other settling in Virginia. One Joseph Schoolfield was born August 5, 1722, and was a son of John and Hannah Schoolfield. Dr. Joseph Schoolfield was born in Worcester, Maryland, and died in Portsmouth, September 26, 1850. He entered the navy in 1807, and was stationed at the Naval Hospital at Ports- mouth. He was surgeon in that institution at the age of 25 years and continued there until 1809, when he resigned just after his marriage. He then practiced in Portsmouth until his death. He married Mary Ann Lewis, who was born January 28, 1781, and was a daughter of John and Frances Dalton (Dunn) Lewis. Her mother was a daughter of Nathaniel and Re- becca (Harrison) Dunn, the mother of Mrs. Dunn being a Bland. Mrs. Schoolfield died November 30, 1862. As a result of her union with Dr. Joseph Schoolfield, she had eleven children, of whom the following grew to ma- turity : Mary Ann Lewis; Hannah Frances ; Louisa; Rebecca Parham; Joseph N .: Ira Chase ; and William Dunn. Mary Ann Lewis Schoolfield was born July 21, 1809, in Ports- mouth. She was united in marriage with Will- iam Willoughby Sharp, on December 23, 1824, in Portsmouth. Hannah Frances, who was born March 26, 1811, married John Mason Wyche of Sussex County. Louisa. born Sep- tember 8, 1812, married Lieutenant Gordon C.

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

Ashton. U. S. Navy. June 6, 1831. Her hus- band died at sea, and she afterward married John D. McGill. of Middlesex County. Rebecca Parham, born February 1, 1816, married Col- onel David G. Potts, of Petersburg. Joseph N., born September 21. 1819, married Mary S. English of Georgetown. D. C. Ira Chase. born January 18. 1821. married Parmelia Branch of Petersburg. William Dunn, born March 3. 1828. married Miss Riddick of Ports- mouth. The coat of arms of the Schoolfield family was received from the heraldic office. 25 Cranbourne street. London, and was given the family for services rendered in the Crusades. The motto is: "Omne bonum desuper.'

John Howard Sharp entered the classical school of that distinguished educator. William R. Galt, and also attended the Norfolk Mili- tary Academy. He finished his educational career at the Virginia Military Institute at Lexington. The war of 1861 found him en- gaged in commercial pursuits, but he was one of the charter members of Company F. a mili- tary company raised at Norfolk after the John Brown Raid, and subsequently acquired quite a reputation as Company G. 6th Regiment of Virginia. Mr. Sharp went to Craney Island with this company, and subsequently was ap- pointed a lieutenant in the Virginia Army, and ordered to report to Colonel F. H. Smith, at Craney Island. He was placed in charge of the quartermaster's and subsistence department there. Some months later. the Army of Vir- ginia was disbanded, and a commission as cap- tain in the army of the Confederate States was forwarded to Mr. Sharp, with orders to con- tinue at his post. He declined to accept the commission, and after putting his office in or- der resigned and turned it over to Captain George Chamberlaine. Mr. Sharp then pro- ceeded to Richmond. Virginia. and was one of the charter members of the light artillery com- pany known as Otey's Battery. of Richmond. He followed its fortunes and shared its honors until 1864. when he was detailed to serve as a

personal courier for General E. P. Alexander. Chief of Artillery. Ist Corps. Army of North- ern Virginia. He served under that officer. and surrendered with him at Appomattox Court House, April 9. 1865. The war ended. Mr. Sharp went to North Carolina and en- gaged in farming, at which he continued until 1880. He then left his farm to accept the office of secretary and treasurer of the Carolina Cen- tral Railroad at Wilmington, North Carolina. which road had just been acquired by John M. Robinson, of the Seaboard System. In 1893. Mr. Sharp was chosen treasurer of what was then called the Seaboard System of Roads. when headquarters were moved to Portsmouth. Virginia. This was regarded as a most credit- able promotion. He was called to succeed William W. Chamberlaine, who had been ten- dered the position under the reorganization. but declined to serve longer. In 1899. when the greater Seaboard Air Line was organized and the mileage greatly increased. Mr. Sharp was elected treasurer of that system, which re- sponsible position he has ably filled since.

December 19. 1866. Mr. Sharp was united in marriage. at Charlotte. North Carolina, with a daughter of Dr. Cyrus L. Hunter. the author of "Revolutionary Sketches of Western North Carolina." He was a son of Rev. Humphrey Hunter. the Revolutionary patriot, who served under "Lighthorse Harry." and who is well known in connection with the Mecklenburg Resolutions, in 1776. John Howard and Sophia ( Hunter) Sharp became the parents of six daughters and two sons, of whom Virginia married George P. Hardy, an electrical engi- neer. now of New York City: William L. is farming in North Carolina; Henry Talbott is connected with the staff of the New York Sun : and the other five daughters are unmarried and reside with their parents at Swimming Point. Portsmouth. Virginia. Their names are .- Claudia Willoughby : Katharine Lyman : Nan- cy Forney: Florence Southall; and Frances Stedman.

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HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY

D R. H. S. ETHERIDGE, a medical practitioner of Wallaceton, Norfolk County, Virginia, is a gentleman whose trained abilities have brought him into public notice, and won for him the regard, esteem and respect justly due to a man of his influence and usefulness in the community. The work of a physician, from its very nature, is of the kind that brings him into closest relationship with the people. The manner in which he carries the heavy responsi- bilities of his vocation is ever to the public a imatter of most vital importance. That Dr. Etheridge knows fully the ethics of his profes- sion, as well as its requirements, and every day of his life lives up to them, admits of no dis- cussion. His high standing everywhere proves his fidelity to his patients' interests, and his success proves his talents.

Dr. Etheridge was born in North Carolina, in 1839, and is a son of Mathias and Amy ( Dudley) Etheridge. Mathias Etheridge was also born in North Carolina, and followed the calling of a Baptist minister throughout his life. He was united in marriage with Amy Dudley, a native of Princess Anne County, Vir- ginia ; of the family reared by them, but three brothers survive, namely: H. S .; O. M., a resident of Berkley; and J. B., of Princess Anne County, Virginia.

The subject of this sketch having secured all the learning possible from attending com- mon schools, entered the Medical Institute, at Cincinnati, Ohio, and graduated with honor from that institution in 1861. He chose Nor- folk County as his field of operations, and has done excellent work here ever since.

Dr. Etheridge has been twice married, Sar- ah C. Stuart became his wife by the first mar- riage. She was a native of Norfolk County, and they reared an only child, Amy C., who married Dr. John L. Lister, a well-known physician and surgeon of Camden County, North Carolina. In 1898, death deprived him of his companion, and after some time, in 1900, he was united in marriage with Mary E. (Dav-

enport) Ferebee, the widow of Col. Dennis D. Ferebee, who rendered gallant service in the Confederate Army. The ceremony was per- formed November 28. By her former marriage she had one child, Margaret E., who married Dr. McMurran, a physician of Portsmouth, Virginia. In religious faith the family are identified with the Methodist Episcopal and Protestant Episcopal Churches. Dr. Etheridge is a member of the Norfolk Medical Society, and likewise of the Seaboard Medical Society of North Carolina. He is a Democrat in politics. 1

OHN M. JOHNSON. The business of general merchandising in a community like Deep Creek, Norfolk County, Vir- ginia, is always a feature of consider- able importance. The man who has the faculty to carry this on successfully be- comes an important factor in the growth and general prosperity of the place. Mr. Johnson, the gentleman whose name heads this biog- raphy, has been such a merchant, and has dealt in all the articles required by the household, from provisions to clothing.

Mr. Johnson is a son of John T. and Vir- ginia (Moore) Johnson, natives of Norfolk' County, and was born at Deep Creek, January 27, 1857. John T. Johnson spent his entire life in agricultural pursuits, and owned an So-acre farm at the time of his death, in 1889. He chose for his wife Virginia Moore, and they had seven children, namely: William S .: Alice M. : Ella; John M .; Robert ; Molly; and Thomas.

John M. Johnson attained his early mental training in the public schools of Deep Creek, and the Poughkeepsie Business College, and helped his father on the farm until he was 16 years of age. He decided at that time to en- bark in mercantile life, and accordingly, in 1876. established his present business at Deep Creek. During the quarter of a century since elapsed, he has conducted the business with the

LEWIS C. JONES.

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best of results, proving his good judgment and foresight as well as his ability in that line.

In 1898, Mr. Johnson was united in matri- meny with Ella Brooke, who was a native of Petersburg. They have one child, Clarence,- the light of the home. The family are mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.

In politics Mr. Johnson accepts the doc- trines of the Republican party. In fraternal circles, he is a Mason of some prominence. He is well thought of in his community, and is highly esteemed by his friends.

L EWIS C. JONES, whose entire life has been devoted to the industry of build- ing and repairing ships, maintains a large shipyard at the foot of Main street in Berkley. The yard covers an area of two acres, and a very important feature is a marine railway of three sections, with trac- tion power sufficient to draw up vessels of 200 tons' register. It is one of the most im- portant concerns of the kind in this section, and gives employment to a large force of men. Mr. Jones was born in Smithfield, Virginia, and is a son of Nathan and Cassandra B. (Jordan) Jones. Nathan Jones was a capitalist, having been left a fortune by his father. The subject of this sketch is one of 12 children, of whom two sons and three daughters are now living. He is the youngest of six brothers.

Mr. Jones attended the schools of his na- tive town, and first entered business life as a clerk, receiving a salary of $3 per week. He then learned the trade of a ship-carpenter with Mr. Hope, and after working a period of 18 months became boss of the yard. He then en- tered the employ of the Baker Wrecking Com- pany, where he continued for 12 years. He learned every detail of his business thoroughly, and his work was of a very high character. In association with others, he next bought C. J. Colonna's marine railway. Later the prop- erty changed hands and the business was con-

ducted under the firm name of 1. C. Jones & Company. The entire concern was subse- quently acquired by Mr. Jones, and he has con- (lucted it in a highly successful manner for more than 20 years. During the summer and fall the yard presents a picturesque and stirr- ing spectacle, from 25 to 40 skilled mechanics being employed at repair work. During the winter a large force is employed in building tugs, barges, schooners and other vessels. Many of the craft built here are familiar along this section of the Atlantic Coast, prominent among them being the tugs "Marietta." "Mol- lie," "Marie Joseph" and "Dauntless," and the schooner "M. J. Lee." Mr. Jones' thorough familiarity with the industry has resulted in a number of trips to Washington, D. C., and Richmond to present the needs of the port for national and State aid, and it is needless to say that the interests of this community could not have been more ably represented. Mr. Jones has been a member of the Town Council of Berkley, and served on various important com- mittees. He has ever had the welfare of the community and county at heart, and is one of the foremost in the belief that the greatest ul- imate good will be accomplished by the con- solidation of Portsmouth, Norfolk and Berkley into a single corporation, and it is thought but few years will elapse before this idea will be carried out.

Mr. Jones was united in marriage with Sarah A. Bott, a native of Amelia County, Vir- ginia, and a daughter of Sidney S. Bott. of Chesterfield County, Virginia. They are the parents of five children, as follows: Nathan ; L. C ... Jr. : Alice C. : Frank M. ; and Raymond B. Mr. Jones is a charter member of the Be- nevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge and also a charter member of Robert E. Lee Lodge, K. of P., and has passed through all the chairs. He has one of the most attractive homes in the town, and in the summer, when the foliage is verdant and flowers are in bloom, the place is one of striking beauty. The long and deep verandas, which extend along the

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front and side of the house, constitute a very pleasing feature and add greatly to its attrac- tive appearance. A portrait of Mr. Jones ac- companies this sketch, being presented on a pre- ceding page.

ILLIAM S. JOHNSON, a well- known merchant of Gilmerton, Norfolk County, Virginia, is also of some prominence as a real-estate dealer, and occupies a conspicuous place in the social and political affairs of his community.

Mr. Johnson is a son of John and Virginia (Moore) Johnson, and was born December 21, 1847, on his father's farm near Gilmerton. John Johnson claims Norfolk County as his native place, but he was reared in St. Louis, Missouri. There he spent the first 35 years of his life, and finally returned to Norfolk' County and located on a farm near Gilmerton, where he was very successful in farming. He married Miss Moore, a daughter of John Moore, and they had a number of children.

William S. Johnson went to school in his boyhood days at Deep Creek, until he had attained the age of 15 years, resided on the farm, assisting his father in whatever way he could. A position as clerk in Mr. Stout's store was then offered him, which he accepted, and kept for some time. He subsequently found employment in the Roper lumber mills, as clerk, and remained there until 1876. In 1883, he embarked in mercantile business for himself at Gilmerton, and so successful has he been that he has continued in the same line ever since.

In 1896, Mr. Johnson was united in mar- riage with Flora Davis, who was born in Isle of Wight County, Virginia. They have reared two children,-Esther A. and William G. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.

Mr. Johnson owns several houses, and has also an interest in a tract of land in Norfolk County, consisting of about 280 acres in all, be-

sides this, he owns and rents a fine, large farm. In his political action, he does his part to ad- vance the interests of the Republican party in his district, and has served as supervisor for 16 years, giving satisfaction to all.

Mr. Johnson is a member of the Masonic order, and also of the K. of P. organization. He is industrious and energetic as a business man, and as a citizen is highly respected and honored for his ability and worth. His store is a model of neatness and order, showing his taste throughout, and he has the patronage of the best class of people in his vicinity.

E. HALL, a leading merchant and enterprising citizen of Great Bridge, Norfolk County, Virginia, where he has been a merchant since 1899, also owns the sawmill at that place, having · established that business in 1897. Mr. Hall is a son of Wesley and Frances ( Land ) Hall, and grandson of James Hall, the father and grand- father having been born at Great Bridge. J. E. Hall's birth occurred January 14, 1864, at the same place, and he has been a resident of Great Bridge for many years.

Wesley Hall first saw the light of day in 1817, and during his active life followed the occupation of a carpenter and ship-builder. During the War of the Rebellion he was em- ployed in the United States Navy Yard, at Portsmouth. His marriage with Frances Land, a native of Princess Anne County, Vir- ginia, was blessed with eight children, namely : Willis : Robert A .; Susan; M. W .; Frank: J. E .; Mary F .; and M. Land. Willis, Robert A. and Frank are deceased. Susan married M. W. Hodges. Mary F. was united in mar- riage with a Mr. Striker, of Williamsport. Pennsylvania.

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History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900, Part 90

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