History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900, Part 91

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 91

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Mr. Hall obtained what education was pos- sible from the schools at Bell's Mills, and worked in a sawmill for some time. He final- ly went into that business at Great Bridge, and

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S. T. DICKINSON, JR.

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then engaged in mercantile pursuits. He is polite and accommodating, and his trade is rapidly increasing by reason of the fact that he employs only fair, straightforward methods in all his affairs. Ile chose for his wife Bettie Curling, a daughter of Bartlett Curling, a mem- ber of Col. William H. Stewart's regiment. who fought gallantly in the war between the States. Mrs. Hall was born near Hickory Ground and has proved a worthy helpmeet for her husband. They have one child. Frank N., born January 4. 1890, who occupies quite an important place in the domestic circle.

In political opinions. Mr. Hall is a decided Democrat, and helps much to advance his party's interests. He and his wife are devoted! members of the Berea Christian Church, and! are active in all its good work.

T. DICKINSON. JR., of the prosper- ous and enterprising business firm of S. T. Dickinson & Company. provi- sion brokers, located at No. 170 Water street, Norfolk, Virginia, is a man of recognized ability, and has done much to build up and increase the business with which he has been connected since 1897. The pres- ent company, at that time, succeeded C. E. Verdier & Company, and from the start suc- cess has crowned their efforts. Under the capa- ble management of Mr. Dickinson, the busi- ness has increased largely, the volume during the present year being more than five times that of their first year's business. Everything in the modern grocery line is handled by this house. which conducts strictly a wholesale trade.

S. T. Dickinson, Jr., is a native of Caroline County, Virginia, and is a son of Dr. S. T. and Bettie Ann ( Chandler) Dickinson, who were born and reared in the same county. Dr. S. T. Dickinson is widely known all over the State of Virginia, and is considered one of the leading physicians and surgeons of his State. He resides at Milford and has an enormous

practice in that vicinity. He is a graduate of Jefferson Medical College and for the past 40 years has been actively engaged in his chosen calling. He has frequently been offered a pro- fessorship in various colleges, but prefers the more useful and beneficial life of a general practitioner. He has served as coroner and has held many autopsies. During the war he served four years as surgeon. chiefly engaged in hospital work. Dr. Dickinson is a worthy scion of one of the oldest and most favorably known families in the State. He and his wife are devout and active members of the Baptist Church, to which they contribute largely. The Doctor now fills the office of deacon, which he has held for a number of years. His practice extends not only throughout the county in which he is a resident. but also into adjoining counties. He and his worthy wife have reared three sons. the eldest being the subject of this review. The others are Charles R. and R. D. The former resides in Chicago, Illinois, being employed in the offices of the Chicago. Burling- ton & Quincy Railroad. The latter resides in New York City and is working in the superin- tendent's office of the Western Union Tele- graph Company.

S. T. Dickinson, Jr .. had good educational advantages, and graduated from Richmond College, at Richmond, Virginia, in the class of 1888. After leaving school he spent six years in railroad work, being employed first on the Pennsylvania Railroad, and later on the Louis- ville & Nashville road. He severed his connec- tion with the latter in order to accept a more flattering position with the Panama Railroad Company, in South America. He served first as clerk and afterward became an officer of the company and spent four years as such, during which he had many thrilling experiences in that strange country.

As an officer of the road he came in close contact with the government officials of that country, especially during the periods of revo- lutionary outbreaks, when the revolutionists attempted to overthrow the government. He

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was frequently called upon at such times to take the Governor and his staff across the isthi- mus, from Panama to Colon or vice versa, as the occasion demanded. It was also the duty of the railroad company to transport large bodies of men in the same manner.

In 1884 a fire broke out in the city of Pan- ama. In a short time it was beyond control and was raging from the wharf four blocks deep. Mr. Dickinson was quartered in a dis- tant part of the city and after reviewing the situation reported to the Governor that the only chance he saw to save the city was to go a block or two ahead of the fire and blow up sections of several blocks with dynamite. The Gov- ernor soon saw the policy of the proposition and gave permission to Mr. Dickinson to put the plan into execution. This he pledged him- self to do with the help of 12 selected men.

The men were furnished him and they set about the task, having the support of the lead- ing people. But the police were not in sym- pathy with the movement, and either could not or would not give their support by keeping the people back out of danger and the plan had to be abandoned. The consequence was that the fire continued to rage and cut its way through the entire city, destroying 55 blocks. Much of the property destroyed might have been saved. This was acknowledged by the populace when it was too late.

Much has been said about the unhealthy cli- mate of Panama, but it is the opinion of Mr. Dickinson that much sickness, and in fact near- ly all the epidemics of that climate, are brought on by neglecting the laws of hygiene. He be- lieves that if the people will observe the laws of health, keep regular hours and not expose themselves to night dews, health in that local- ity can be preserved as well as in any other. While there, he was also engaged in the ex- change business, buying and selling gold, silver and drafts. Finally he returned home in 1897, and embarked at once in the business which has engaged his attention ever since.

Mr. Dickinson is also a director in the Nor-

folk Freight & Transportation Bureau, and takes an active part in the proceedings of that body. October 5. 1897. he was joined in mar- riage with Ruth Owens, a daughter of B. H. and Missouri Owens. Her father was form- erly a very prominent business man of Ports- mouth, but is now retired. Both of her par- ents are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Mr. Dickinson is a member of Freemason Street Baptist Church, and is now filling the double position of deacon and treas- urer, and in addition to his very evident inter- est in the church, he has a large class of young men in the Sunday-school of that denomina- tion. He spends much of his time and effort in religions work, being especially interested in Sunday-school work. Fraternally he is a Master Mason, a Modern Puritan and also a member of the Uniform Rank of the Knights of Pythias. He is looked upon as a model citi- zen, and as such is a source of pride to the good citizens of Norfolk. His portrait accom- panies this sketch.

R OBERT W. MACDONALD. proprie- tor of five restaurants in the city of Norfolk, was the first to establish a dairy lunch business in the city. He is a gentleman of recognized ability, is ambitious and energetic, and the success at- tending his efforts is well merited.

Mr. MacDonald was born in Canada in 1873, and when 15 years of age went to Bos- ton, Massachusetts, where he became identified with the restaurant and hotel business. He next went to Baltimore and followed the same line of business, and in 1894 came to Norfolk. Virginia. He established the pioneer dairy lunch business of the city at No. 99 Main street,-now No. 231 Main street. His busi- ness grew with remarkable rapidity and prompted him in establishing four other stands in the city. He now conducts establishments at Nos. 231, 365 and 289 Main street; 108

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Commercial Place: and 99 Roanoke avenue : and in the spring of 1902 will occupy the new building on Atlantic street, opposite the new Post Office. He is a member of the Board of Trade and Business Men's Association in Nor- folk. and of the Norfolk Refrigerating & Cold Storage Company. He is principal owner of the Crystal Ice Cream Company, the capacity of which was 200 gallons per day in 1901. It will be increased to a capacity of 1,000 gal- lons per day in 1902.

In 1895 Mr. MacDonald was united in marriage with Sadie Clark, who was born in Canada and is a daughter of J. B. Clark, of Cleveland, Ohio. They were married in West Somerville, Massachusetts, and have one son. Atwood Laing, who was born in 1896. Mrs. MacDonald is a member of the Baptist Church. The subject of this sketch is a member of the Royal Arcanum: Knights of the Maccabees : Modern Puritans: and the Seaside Club of Ocean View.

RS. IDA (JOHNSON) GORDAN. an estimable resident of Norfolk. Norfolk County, Virginia, was born in Nashville, Tennessee. Oc- tober 5. 1847. and is a daughter of John Bellenfant and Eliza ( Baird) Johnson. She is one of the eight children born to her parents, namely : Mary P .. widow of Charles P. Maguire. living at Nashville, Tennessee : Fannie B., wife of James W. Leigh of Nor- folk. Virginia : John B., who died in the Con- federate Army: Ellen, who died in her youth : Alexander D .. who died in infancy: Ida, the subject of this sketch; Anna, who died at the age of six years : and Alexander, who died in infancy. Mrs. Gordan's father and brother were in the Confederate Army, and their prop- erty was all confiscated. The Federal Army took possession of their home, but General Thomas kindly permitted them to occupy two or three rooms. The property was put up for

sale, and a good price was paid for it by one of the daughters. Mrs. Gordan was between the lines of the contending armies throughout the war.

Ida Johnson was married to George W. Gordan in 1875. He was born in Norfolk in 1842, and was a son of John D. and Susan ( Stratton) Gordan. His father was a banker and established the banking concern of John D. Gordan & Company. He and his wife were the parents of nine children, as follows : Sarah. deceased: Mary Ann. of Norfolk, widow of Robert Timberlake. a banker: John D., de- ceased, who was engaged in the banking busi- ness ; Susan B .. widow of Victor Nottingham. a capitalist : Virginia, who lives at the old home, which was built during Revolutionary times : Joseph P., deceased, who was a banker : Cornelia, deceased : George W., husband of the subject hereof : and Henry C., deceased, who was also a banker.

George W. Gordan enlisted for service in the Confederate Army when a boy, and served until the end of the war. He was at first in the Young's Harbor Guard, Artillery, and afterward in the Norfolk Light Artillery Blues. After the war he was a lieutenant in the Blues, of which his brother Joseph was also a member during the war. After the close of the war he went into the private bank of John D. Gordan, which was in operation for a period of 65 years. He subsequently engaged in the real-estate business in con- nection with Leigh Brothers & Phelps, and continued thus until his death in 1887. He was a very successful business man and stood high in Norfolk, where he always lived. The bank- ing firm of John D. Gordan & Company ceased about six years after the death of the last member of the family.

Mr. and Mrs. Gordan became the parents of four children. as follows: Ida Johnston. who married John Sage Fiske, an importing merchant of New York City: James Leigh. who is in the citizens' Bank of Norfolk: John Dozier, who is with the Old Dominion

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Guano Company; and Virginia Baird, who is attending school. Religiously, Mr. Gordan was a member of St. Paul's Protestant Epis- copal Church. Freternally he belonged to the Royal Arcanum.

ARTIN J. RYAN, the efficient chief of the Norfolk Fire Department, was born in Ireland, November 4, 1854, and for the past 30 years has been engaged in fire-depart- ment work.

Mr. Ryan's parents came to the United States and settled in Kingston, New York, where the subject hereof was reared and schooled. Subsequently he engaged in ship carpentry, and the manufacturing of boilers. While a resident of Kingston he took a great interest in its fire department, and joined that body in 1870. He organized the Union Hose Company, No. 4, and was its first foreman. In 1876 he moved to Norfolk, and engaged in the cotton business. Shortly after having set- tled in Norfolk Mr. Ryan joined the Norfolk Fire Department. In 1888 he relinquished his cotton business to accept the position of in- spector of the Norfolk Water Works. During the year 1894 he was discharged from that position on account of not being in accord with the municipal administration. Three days later he was elected chief of the Norfolk Fire Department, having been foreman of Engine Company, No. 4. Chief Ryan has held the office of chief since his first election to that of- fice, a fact which proves his capability.

Chief Ryan's administration has been superb. The call department has been organ- ized into a full-pay department, with five steamer companies, a chemical company, and two truck companies. Two fire-engine houses have been added. and the department has been distributed more or less. The fire-alarm sys- tem, having 45 miles of wire, has been di- vided into six circuits, and many of the wires

have been placed under ground. These are but few of the many improvements made by Mr. Ryan.

The early records of the Norfolk Fire De- partment were not kept, but since the election of Mr. Ryan a full account of the date and time of each fire has been recorded, and of the box from which the alarm was turned in, the lo- cation, owner of property, occupant, descrip- tion and occupation of buildings, value of property, insurance carried, and cause of the fire. These records can be referred to at any time. The Chief's first call to a fire brought the department to the large warehouses of Jones, Lee & Company, which had been burning some time. With quick judgment, Chief Ryan placed his men where tons of water could be thrown on the burning buildings, and they were saved. The Chief has performed many noble feats in life-saving, which called for daring nerve and quick judgment, and these feats, both in life and property-saving, have brought him the highest praise. Mr. Ryan has in his possession many letters from some of the most representative citizens of Norfolk, in testimony of his splendid conduct and management of his men during large fires.

Chief Ryan has entertained visiting fire- men and their companies with much courtesy, and often at a considerable personal expendi- ture. The records of fires in 1899 show that out of 168 fires, in 12 months, with a property valuation of $2,531,090, and a total insurance of $1,684,200, the total damage was but $51,- 903.30. In 1900, there were 219 fires, with a property valuation of $1,983,655. insurance, $877-350, and a total fire loss of $32.387.

In 1882 Mr. Ryan married Elizabeth Cav- anaugh, a native of Norfolk, and he has a fam- ily of seven children. He is a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church. He is also a member of the International Association of Fire Engineers ; the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks; the Emerald Beneficial Asso- ciation ; and the Knights of Columbus ; and is president of the local branch of the Catholic

Thomas Shannon now

JAMES H. SHANNON.

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Knights of America. In politics he is a Democrat.

The city of Norfolk has just cause to be proud of its fire department chief. He has a thorough knowledge of fighting the flames, and never, with the exception of one instance, has he allowed a fire to spread. He has been very efficient in saving property, and bids fair to hold his present position as long as his age and health permit.

IMES H. SHANNON, deceased, was for many years an honored citizen and business man of Portsmouth, Norfolk County, Virginia, and was a worthy representative of one of the oldest and most prominent families, whose history is closely interwoven with the history of this sec- tion. Mr. Shannon was joined in marriage with Martha Smith Key. Both families, the Shannons and the Keys, were noted for their fighting proclivities. and members of both dis- tinguished themselves by their courage and bravery during both the Revolutionary War for freedom, and the War of 1812.

Baron Shannon, grandfather of James H. Shannon, was a refugee from Ireland. He was prominent in the Emmett Rebellion and for safety came to America, settling on the banks of the Schuykill River in Pennsylvania. His marriage with a Miss Clementine, a French lady, resulted in the birth of four sons: Liv- ingstone, Clement, John and Henry. The two oldest sons fitted out a privateer during the War of 1812, and were granted letters of marque. At the close of that war, Livingstone settled in New York City, and Clement settled in Philadelphia, where he engaged in the wholesale tea business, his younger brother. Henry, having previously lived in the latter city for years.

. John Shannon, the father of our subject, located at Reddington, North Carolina. now known as Elizabeth City, being so named in

honor of Elizabeth Tooley, its pioneer bene- factress and founder. This esteemed and time honored lady was the grandmother of our subject on the maternal side. She deeded to Elizabeth City the land now known as the "Water-Front." and for some distance back. Her daughter. also called Elizabeth Tooley. married the John Shannon previously men- tioned, father of our subject. He was lieuten- ant in a military company from Elizabeth City in the War of 1812, and with his company was stationed at Sewell's Point, near Norfolk, Vir- ginia.

The Keys were prominent and well known in Norfolk County. They donated the land through which the Key Road extends and the lake known as Key Lake was a part of their property. John Key, the great-grandfather of Mrs. Shannon, was a lieutenant in the army and navy in the Revolutionary War, serving as ensign in the 8th Virginia Regiment of the Continental Army. His son, Jonathan Key, was born in 1767 and died October 17. 1853. He married Lois Veale, a descendant of Craw- ford Veale. Their son. Jesse Key, was born August 5. 1789. and died October 12, 1815. He also had a taste for military life, serving as lieutenant of the Portsmouth Rifle Company in ¡ the War of 1812. Martha Smith Key was his only child.

James H. Shannon and Martha Smith Key were married November 4, 1834, and she was the first to depart this life, dying May 8, 1881. at the age of 67 years. Mr. Shannon survived until May 12, 1897, when he died at the age of 86 years. They were the parents of 10 chil- dren, several of whom died in early life. Those who grew to maturity were: Jesse Clement : Thomas; Mary Alexina: William L .; Mon- roe Whedbee ; and Henry A.

Jesse Clement Shannon, after his gradua- tion at Wake Forrest College in North Caro- lina, took a two years' course in the medical de- partment of the University of Pennsylvania, graduating in 1859. at the early age of 22 years. At the outbreak of the Confederate

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War he was located at Elizabeth City, North Carolina. He served as surgeon in the 68th North Carolina Regiment, C. S. Army, and was taken captive at the fall of Hatteras, and was incarcerated first at Fort McHenry, then at Fort Hamilton, and later at Fort Lafayette. At that time it was generally understood among the Southern States that no Confederate pris- oners would be exchanged but would be held as traitors. Upon hearing this Mrs. Shannon, his mother, wrote to President Jefferson Davis a letter of inquiry and shortly afterward re- ceived a reply from him assuring her that her son would be exchanged at the earliest moment possible. This was in 1862 and the letter has been preserved by the family ever since. Dr. Jesse Clement Shannon married Lavinia T. Old, a daugther of James Old, of Norfolk County, Virginia, and they had one child, James O. Dr. Shannon served throughout the war, but during his service contracted con- sumption, from which he died in 1868.

Thomas Shannon was also a resident of Elizabeth City at the time of the outbreak of the Civil War and immediately enlisted in the 8th North Carolina Regiment, C. S. Army. Subsequently he was promoted to 2nd lieuten- ant. and was later commissioned Ist lieutenant for his bravery at Cold Harbor, in 1864. How- ever, he never received the latter as he was taken prisoner during the conflict at that place, and held as such until the close of the war. He is now a resident of St. Louis, Missouri, where he is employed by the National Biscuit Company as cashier, and with this company he has been connected for the past 30 years, having entered their employ a few years after locating in St. Louis, in 1869. His services are of great value to the company and aside from business cares he takes an interest in so- cial life. He is a member of Stonewall Camp. Confederate Veterans, of Portsmouth, and is also an active member of the Sons of the Rev- olution.

William L. Shannon, deceased, married Miss E. O. Ballentine, of Portsmouth, and

upon his death was survived by his wife and two children: Leon G. and Elizabeth M.

Monroe Whedbee Shannon is a painter by trade and is now in the employ of the Seaboard Air Line at Portsmouth. He was united in marriage with Miss I. Veale, of Portsmouth, and they have six children, namely: Howard, Jesse, Lela, John, Julia and James.

Henry A. Shannon is connected with the police department of Portsmouth, Virginia, and makes his home with his sister. He was united in marriage with Julia Johnston, who was born in Richmond and is a daughter of Joseph Johnston. They have three sons : Thomas C., James J., and Henry A., all of whom were born on the old homestead.

Mary Alexina Shannon was reared at Portsmouth and still makes her home at the old famly residence at No. 212 Dinwiddie street, which was originally the property of Jesse Key, and where all the children of James H. and Martha Smith (Key) Shannon were born. Miss Shannon is among the best known and honored residents of Portsmouth, being esteemed and loved by all who know her. She is very liberal in her gifts to charity and does much to show her in- terest in the community in which she dwells.

Portraits of James H. Shannon and Thom- as Shannon, his son, are presented in connec- tion with this sketch, and appear on a foregoing page. The portrait of Thomas Shannon was engraved from a photograph taken in the spring of 1902.

OHN WILLIS, JR., who is well known as the proprietor of the magnificent furniture establishment located on the corner of Church and Main streets, in Norfolk, Virginia, was born in North- ampton County. Virginia, in 1870. He is a son of John and Rinthia (Travis) Willis.

Jolin Willis, Sr., was born in Northampton County, Virginia, where he is now living at the

AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.

age of 75 years. He has always followed the vocation of a farmer and has met with suc- cess. He served with honor throughout the Confederate War. He was joined in mar- riage with Rinthia Travis, who died in 1885, at the age of 55 years, and they became the parents of nine children, as follows: Kate, who married William P. Wise, a farmer of Northampton County; Luther A., a farmer of Northampton County; Amanda, deceased ; Margaret, who married W. T. Fitchett, a farmer of Northampton County; Lloyd, a farmer of Northampton County: Lummia, who lives with her father; Roberta, deceased ; John, Jr .; and Mattie, who resides at home.

John Willis, Jr., attended the public and private schools at Northampton until he reached the age of 15 years, and then clerked in a store there for one year. He next went on a farm for himself and remained for four years, after which he came to Norfolk. He clerked in the furniture store of B. A. John- son for 18 months, and afterward, under the firm name of Johnson & Willis, established a business at No. 360 Main street. The firm ' continued at that location for a year, and then moved to Portsmouth. At the end of one year there Mr. Johnson retired and P. W. Carney succeeded to his interests, the firm name be- ing changed to Carney & Willis. This con- tinued for 15 months, when Mr. Willis sold out to Mr. Carney and removed to Norfolk, purchasing the stock of Mr. Johnson in 1895. The establishment was located on Church street, where he remained until 1900. In the meantime, in 1897, he bought out his old part- ner, Mr. Carney, in Portsmouth, and conduct- ed that business for two years in connection with his Norfolk Store. He then resold the Portsmouth store to Mr. Carney. In. January, 1901, Mr. Willis moved into the Hotel Norfolk building, better known as the Purcell House, the oldest hotel building in the city. The di- mensions of the building are 50 feet on Main street, 150 feet on Church street, and it is five stories high. The entire building is occupied

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History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900, Part 91

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