History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900, Part 92

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 92

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by this business, and he also has an annex, the dimensions of which are 50 by 99 feet, the latter being used as a warehouse. It is two stories high. From a modest beginning a com- paratively short time ago, Mr. Willis' business has witnessed a wonderful growth. and is to- day considered to be the largest furniture es- tablishment south of New York City. His stock is a comprehensive one, of all kinds of modern and antique furniture, together with carpets and draperies. Enterprising and en- ergetic, honest and straightforward in his every transaction, success has come to him wholly through his own efforts.

Mr. Willis was married, in 1892, to Pearl Johnson, who was born in Mathews County, Virginia, in 1871, and is a daughter of Benja- min A. and Lelia Johnson, and they have four children, namely : Rose, who was born in 1893: Benjamin A., born in 1895; Gladys, born in 1896; and John, born in 1898. Mrs. Willis is a member of the M. E. Church, South. Mr. Willis is a member of the Modern Puritans and the Royal Arcanum.

L. MAYER, a member of the firm of Mayer & Company, manufacturers € and dealers in machinery and sup- plies, is engaged in business at No. 74 Commercial Place, Norfolk, Vir- ginia. He was born in Norfolk, and has al- ways made that city his home.

Mr. Mayer received his education in the Norfolk Academy, and began his business ca- reer at the age of 18 years. He engaged in the same line of business which he now fol- lows, and has always met with success. This business has been conducted under the firm name of Mayer & Company since 1878, and is one of the most widely known concerns of the kind in the country. They handle engines, boilers, pumps, injectors, siphons, hose, tools, shafting and pulleys, iron pipes, fittings, valves, cocks, etc., belting, packing, waste, iron and

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steel, nails, oils and cordage. They do a large business which increases each year. Mr. Mayer is a man of fine business perception, possessing a keen foresight, and unusual ex- ecutive ability.

The subject of this sketch has been a mem- ber of the Select Council of Norfolk for a num- ber of years. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M. lodge, and of the Virginia Club. Po- litically, he is a Democrat.

® ICHARD A. DOBIE, as superintend- ent of the public schools of the city of Norfolk. Virginia, has established a record of which any man may well feel proud. His policy during his in- cumbency of that office has been one of prog- ress, and it is but justice to this gentleman to say that the high degree of excellence of the Norfolk schools is chiefly due to his efforts.

Mr. Dobie was born in Sussex County. Vir- ginia. August 3. 1846, and was educated at Newville Academy. He was a young man at the time of the Intersectional War, but. de- voted to the cause of the Confederacy. he en- listed in January, 1864, in Sturdivant's Battery of Artillery. From that time until the sur- render of General Lee, he bravely discharged the duties required of him as a soldier, and then returned home. For a period of 15 years he was a member of the Board of Harbor Com- missioners, eight years of which time he served as president of the board, and rendered efficient service in that capacity, although no salary was attached to the office. In 1896 lie first be- came identified with the public schools of Nor- folk, being elected superintendent, to succeed K. C. Murray, deceased. The following year he was re-elected, and has held that office since. He has displayed wonderful executive ability, organizing the schools on a thorough business basis. He has elevated the standard of schol- arship and the efficiency of the corps of teach- ers, and maintained perfect harmony with the

School Board and the citizens of Norfolk. He is a man of great popularity with the residents of the city, rich and poor, alike, having many. warms friends, socially, who are politically opposed to him.

Mr. Dobie is an unswerving supporter of the principles of the Democratic party, and has never voted any other ticket. He has taken a very prominent part in the affairs of the Royal Arcanum, and has held the position of grand regent of Virginia, and representative from Virginia to the Supreme Council. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and was master of Owens Lodge. No. 164, A. F. & A. M., of Norfolk, for several terms. He is commander of Pickett-Buchanan Camp, Con- federate Veterans, and has always taken a very great interest in the workings of that organi- zation.

OHN OSWALD PITT, who is en- gaged in the grocery business in Nor- folk. Virginia, was born in Norfolk December 18, 1862. His parents, Merritt G. and Lucy (Campbell ). Pitt, were born in Isle of Wight County, Vir- ginia.

John Oswald Pitt attended the schools of Norfolk and afterward learned the trade of a blacksmith, which he followed a short time, buit at the age of 21 years he gave it up, and accepted a position on the police force. He was a member of the police force two years, when he was promoted to be a police detective. He continued thus for about 10 years, when he engaged in the grocery business, in which he has remained up to the present day. He is a self-made man and has just cause to be proud of the success which has come to him through constant faithfulness to business, and a determination to succeed. He is well known among the business men of Norfolk, and is highly respected for his honesty and integrity.

Mr. Pitt was united in marriage with Del- phia E. Wright, of Princess Anne County.

EDWARD CAMP.

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Virginia, and they have one daughter. Eoline. In May, 1900, Mr. Pitt was elected a council- man from the Third Ward, and is now a mem- ber of the Common Council. He is serving on the public building committee, and also on the committee for employment of inmates of the City Jail. He is on the committee to con- fer with the fire and police committees in ref- erence to the relief of firemen and policemen. He votes the Democratic ticket. and has been an active worker in politics.

E DWARD CAMP, general superintend- ent of the Norfolk Knitting Mills, whose portrait is herewith presented. is an old and highly respected resi- dent of the city, having located here in April. 1868. He was born in Tompkins County, New York, June 13, 1842, and is a son of Hermon and Catherine Camp.

Hermon Camp was born in Connecticut and spent the most of his life in New York State. He followed farming for a time and was also a merchant and manufacturer. His wife, Cath- erine, was a native of New York State.

Edward Camp grew to manhood in Tomp- kins County, New York, and at the age of 17 years enlisted on May 7. 1861, in Company I. 32nd Regiment. New York Volunteer Infan- try. He participated in the battle of Bull Run and was wounded at West Point, May 7. 1862, just one year from the date of his enlistment. He was discharged from the service about six months later and returned to his home. where he engaged in mercantile pursuits and farming. In 1868 he came to Norfolk, Virginia, where. with the exception of four years, he has since lived. He was engaged in trucking for a number of years, and has since witnessed the development of what was his truck farm into a thickly settled district of the city. He became identified with the Norfolk Knitting Mills in the capacity of foreman in the finishing de- partment, and from that position was pro-

moted to be general superintendent of the plant January 1, 1901. He gave to the mill com- pany the land on which the plant is now located. The Norfolk Knitting Mills is an extensive plant, employing about 225 men, and manufac- turing men's balbriggan underwear, which has a sale throughout the country. Mr. Camp has made a success in a business way, and is a man of recognized ability. He has many warm friends of long vears standing. and is highly respected wherever known.

In 1862 Mr. Camp was joined in the bonds "of matrimony with Susan J. Winfield, of Tru- mansburg. Tompkins County, New York. and they have two children, Hermon W. and Mary H. Politically he is a true Republican. He was appointed deputy marshal of the Eastern District of Virginia, and served five years. h 1895 he was elected a member of the City Council, succeeding Mr. Anderson, and has been twice re-elected. He is public spirited and progressive, and has always been found on the right side of measures tending to advance the best interests of the city. Fraternally he is a Mason and Knight Templar. He is a member of Truman Post, No. 157, G. A. R .. of New York. Religiously Mr. Camp is a faithful member of the Presbyterian Church.

h H. TRICE, a member of the firm of W. H. H. Trice & Company, real estate dealers in the city of Norfolk, Virginia, is a son of W. H. H. Trice, one of the most prominent real estate dealers Norfolk has ever had.

W. H. H. Trice was born in Louisa Coun- ty. Virginia, in 1844, and about 30 years ago came to Norfolk, where he was employed as a mail-clerk by the government for a period of 20 years. At the end of that time, with no capital, but with a strong determination to succeed and a character above reproach. Mr. Trice em- barked in the real estate business. At the time of his engaging in this business, he had a desk

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in the office of James Y. Leigh, where he was located for several years, He then formed a partnership with Walter Sharp, which con- tinued for nine years, at the expiration of which time they separated, and the business was conducted as Trice & Son.

Many of the most successful real estate men in Norfolk have learned the business under Mr. Trice. Besides owning a large amount of real estate himself, the firm does a large general realty business, buying and selling property both in and out of Norfolk. W. H. H. Trice & Company are agents for property in Norfolk, and in the suburban towns around, and the business is conducted with splendid manage- inent. H. H. Trice, the subject of this sketch, could not have received his knowledge of this business under a better preceptor, as his father is one of the most successful real estate men in Virginia.

H. H. Trice is acknowledged to be one of the leading young business men of Norfolk, possesses sterling business qualities, and is modern and progressive in all his undertakings.

OHN BENSON JENKINS, attorney- at-law in the city of Norfolk, is a well- known member of the bar of Virginia. He was born in Norfolk County. Sep- tember 8, 1859. He was educated at Webster Institute, and at William R. Galt's school, in Norfolk. He attended Richmond College, and afterward was graduated with the degree of M. A., in June, 1882. After com- pleting the course at the University of Vir- ginia, he attended the Harvard Law School, and subsequently studied law at the University of Virginia.

In 1885, Mr. Jenkins began the practice of his chosen profession in the city of Norfolk, where he has won distinction as a lawyer of more than ordinary ability. He has a large general practice, to which he devotes most of liis time. He has been identified with all the

prominent enterprises which have been under- taken to develop Norfolk, and is one of that city's progressive citizens.

December 19, 1888, Mr. Jenkins was united in marriage with Eunice B. Wort- ham, of Richmond, Virginia. He is a member of Owens Lodge, No. 164, A. F. & A. M., is a director of the Public Library, manager of the Norfolk Seamen's Friend Society, and a trustee of the Norfolk Academy. He is one of the most public-spirited citizens of Norfolk, and is held in high esteem by all who are for- tunate enough to meet him, or to have busi- ness dealings with him.

W. MCCULLOUGH is one of the largest wholesale and retail lumber dealers in the city of Norfolk, Vir- ginia, his business being located at the corner of Brooke avenue and Boush street. He succeeded to the business established by his father, who died April 9, 1896.

Allen Anderson Mccullough, father of F. W., came to Norfolk, Virginia, just after the Confederate War, in 1865, and located on the waterfront, on the property which is now a part of the piers and wharves of the Old Do- minion Steamship Company. He engaged ex- tensively in the coal and lumber trade. About 1875, he concluded the work of filling in the' marsh land which extended from the old wall at Granby street out to the port-warden's line, a distance of over one-third of a mile, and run- ning along the port warden's line, nearly 1,000 feet. This vast tract of waste land, over which the tide ebbed and flowed, was converted, at an enormous outlay of money and work, and in the face of much opposition from various sources, into what is now the splendid ter- minals of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway, and the New York, Philadelphia & Norfolk Rail- road on the west, and the site of a number of fine buildings, erected and in course of erec-

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tion, on Granby street, opposite the Monticello Hotel, on the east. This vast property, only partially improved and developed, has been a great factor in the growth of Norfolk, and es- pecially has this been the case in its immediate neighborhood, where values have increased to figures only dreamed possible by Mr. McCul- lough himself. As an instance of this. the Cheasapeake & Ohio Railway purchased. in 1893. property for which they paid over half a million dollars. said purchase being a part of this tract and the property adjoining it. This property will always stand as a monument to the perseverance and energy of its originator and maker, who had the courage to undertake the task in the face of almost insurmountable difficulties. Allen Anderson Mccullough was born in Cecil County, Maryland. where he was reared on a farm. He was engaged in the lum- ber business at Marlboro until he came to Nor- folk. He married Miss Wheatley, who sur- vives him. They had two sons, one of whom died.

F. W. Mccullough was born and reared in the city of Norfolk, and early in life became identified with his father's business. He began at the foot of the ladder and learned the busi- ness in all its details and, when he assumed the management of it in 1896, was well quali- fied for the work. He has many friends and acquaintances in the city. and has always evinced a deep interest in all that pertains to the welfare of Norfolk.

J AMES F. DUNCAN. This gentleman occupies a prominent place in legal circles in Norfolk, Virginia, having been engaged in the practice of law in Norfolk since 1882. Mr. Duncan was born in St. Louis, Missouri, May 6, 1855, and is a son of James Duncan, who spent his last days in Gloucester County. Virginia, where he died in 1895.

James F. Duncan was educated at the Ver-

mont Episcopal Institute, at Burlington, Ver- mont. and at Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri, later took a law course at the University of Virginia. He was admitted to the bar in St. Louis in 1876, and practiced there with much success for some time. In 1882, Mr. Duncan removed to Norfolk, Vir- ginia, where he has a large and lucrative prac- tice. He is a man of scholarly attainments, and his knowledge of his chosen profession is thor- ough. Mr. Duncan held the position of city at- torney of Norfolk from 1891 until 1894, and prosecuting attorney for the city from 1896 until 1899. He is much interested in the wel- fare and prosperity of Norfolk, and gives his assistance readily when any public enterprise is undertaken. He is a member of the Demo- cratic party, and an active worker in that or- ganization.

Mr. Duncan married Lucy Dabney, of Gloucester County. Virginia, and they are the parents of two children,-Emery D. and Mary F. Mr. Duncan has erected a beautiful home in Norfolk. He is a member and past exalted ruler of Norfolk Lodge. No. 38. B. P. O. E., and is also a member of various other orders.

ILLIAM LAURENCE BAKER, who is now serving his second terin in the office of city collector of Norfolk. Virginia, was born in Norfolk, in 1857. He is a de- scendant of one of the many well-known famil- ies of Virginia, and has just cause to be proud of his ancestry.

Mr. Baker was reared and partially edu- cated in his native city. and after attending Prof. N. B. Webster's private school in Nor- folk. he pursued a supplementary course at Bingham's Military Academy in North Caro- lina. At the close of his school days. Mr. Baker went into the transportation business, becoming purser on the old Washington Line of steamers, in which service he remained four

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years. He then secured a position as cotton weigher for the Norfolk Cotton Exchange, which he filled for a period of 15 years. In 1896, he was chosen as the Democratic nomi- nee for the office of city collector, and was elected by a large vote, and sworn into office in July of that year. He served to the entire sat- isfaction of his fellow citizens, and won much praise for his faithfulness.

Mr. Baker was defeated in his effort to secure a renomination for that office, but has since been nominated and elected to a second term as collector. Mr. Baker has always been a stanch member of the Democratic party, and for some years has taken an active interest in the affairs of that party. By his faithfulness in the discharge of his duties, he has won the approval of the entire public, as is shown by his election to a second term as city collector. Mr. Baker is a member of several fraternal organizations, among them being : the A. F. & A. M .: B. P. O. E .: K. of P .; I. O. R. M .; and Royal Arcanum.

Mr. Baker's home is on Boush street, in the Second Ward. He has a host of friends in Norfolk and in that vicinity, and is looked upon as one of the most public spirited men of the city.

WESLEY FENTRESS is one of the directors of the City National Bank of Norfolk, Norfolk County. Virginia, and a member of the firm of C. W. Fentress & Company, wholesale dealers in butter, eggs and cheese. Mr. Fentress was born in Princess Anne Coun- ty, Virginia, in 1856, a son of James Fentress.

them. the subject hereof is the only one who survives.

C. Wesley Fentress attended the public schools of his native county, and at the age of 16 years began his business career. In 1876, he opened a retail grocery store on the corner of Church and Freemason streets, in Norfolk, Virginia, where he remained until 1889. Sub- sequently. he engaged in the commission and wholesale business, although on a very small scale: in 1889, he organized the business house of C. W. Fentress & Company, whole- sale dealers in butter, cheese and eggs. This business grew so rapidly that the Norfolk Re- frigating & Cold Storage Company was or- ganized. Mr. Fentress being one of the original members. C. W. Fentress & Company have three floors of the building at No. 82 Roanoke street, devoted to refrigerating and storing, but this is not sufficient room, and a great portion of the Norfolk Refrigerating & Cold Storage Company's space is utilized. C. W. Fentress & Company do an immense business, export- ing a fine quality of butter, cheese and eggs to Germany. They handle butter and cheese from the North and West, especially the noted Herkimer County cheese. The company has its own code of advertising, and has established a reputation which is well known in this coun- try and abroad.

Mr. Fentress is identified with various en- terprises in Norfolk, and is keenly alive to any undertaking which is for the advancement of the community in which he lives. He has built and enlarged several business blocks and resi- dences in Norfolk, and is an extensive real-es- tate owner. He is a director in the City Na- tional Bank of Norfolk. vice-president of the Norfolk Refrigerating & Cold Storage Com- pany. one of the organizers of the Board of Trade and Business Men's Association of Nor- folk. of which he is now a vice-president, and a member of the Seaboard Fire Insurance Com- pany.

James Fentress, father of the subject of this sketch, was also a native of Princess Anne County. He was a farmer by occupation, and also dealt in lumber extensively. furnishing much of the lumber for the United States Navy Yard. He died at the age of 75 years. His wife, Annie (Dawley) Fentress. died at the Mr. Fentress was married to Sue Bayton, age of 65 years. Of four children born to ; daughter of Rev. T. J. Bayton of Portsmouth.

ALVAH H. MARTIN.

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She died at the age of 24 years, leaving an in- fant child, which died soon afterward. Mr. Fentress married. secondly. Effie Eley, a daughter of Capt. Hubert Eley. of Berkley. Virginia, and they are the parents of four chil- dren. namely: J. Ilubert : Ethel Ann : Charles W .: and Thomas J .. all attending school.

Mr. Fentress is a Mason and has taken the degree of Knight Templar. He is one of the most progressive business men of Norfolk, where he is highly esteemed for his upright character and fair methods in dealing with all.

RANK E. WILCOX. Among the well- known business men of Norfolk. Virginia. is the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. He is secre- tary and general manager of the American Fertilizing Company, which is one of the largest establishments of the kind in the United States.

Mr. Wilcox attended the high school of his native town. and after finishing school removed to Norfolk, where he became clerk for C. L. Upshur, a manufacturer of fertilizers, who was then president of the Upshur Guano Company. Subsequently, Mr. Upshur withdrew from the old company and organized the American Fer- tilizing Company. At his death. in 1886. Mr. Wilcox became general manager of this latter company and has remained so ever since.

The American Fertilizing Company was organized in 1883. and Mr. Upshur acted as president of the company, with W. F. Wise as vice-president. The company was reorgan- ized in 1886 under the present officers, namely : C. A. Nash. president : W. F. Wise, vice-presi- dent: F. E. Wilcox. secretary and general manager: and Henry Kirn, treasurer. The directors of the company are as follows: C. A. Nash. Henry Duke. W. F. Wise. J. E. Wright. J. T. Griffin. J. E. Peake. Henry Kirn. W. B. Carney. and M. W. Armstead. The business was first established on Water street.

but the company purchased some property and erected a large plant at South Portsmouth. equipped with new and modern improvements ; it is 304 by 200 feet. in dimensions, with 304 feet of wharf. The pay-roll of this company has reached $1,000 per week. When the Amer- ican Fertilizing Company began to produce goods for the market, the old Peruvian guano was then used in this locality. This company now manufactures the "Red Brand." "Straw- berry Guano." "Bhte Brand." and "Peruvian Mixture." for sweet potatoes, and also for to- bacco and cotton. Many others of their brands have found ready markets in the South and West. as well as in the Eastern states. This company keeps thoroughly abreast with the times, using any new material which proves beneficial to different plants.

Mr. Wilcox has been secretary and general manager of this business ever since he became a member of the company. and has devoted all of his time to the building up of this business. and has introduced the goods in North and South Carolina, where an immense amount is sold each year. In 1900. the American Fertiliz- ing Company manufactured 21.000 tons of the fertilizer.

Mr. Wilcox is well known in Norfolk. where he is always interested in any public un- dertaking which is for the advancement of the city.

EORGE ALEXANDER MARTIN. a respected citizen of Berkley. Norfolk County, Virginia. a recent portrait of whom accompanies this sketch, has attained a high degree of success as a practitioner of law. He has ever evinced a deep interest in all that pertains to the wel- fare of Norfolk County. in whose growth and development he has taken no small part. Mr. Martin was born in Norfolk County and is a son of Col. James Green Martin, Sr.

The earliest representative of the Martin family in this country was Gen. Joseph Martin,

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who was a son of Thomas Martin. The mother of Thomas Martin was a sister of Lord Fair- fax, of England, who was descended from the Duke of Kent, who sailed with William the Conqueror, and participated in the battle of Hastings. The history of the Fairfax family includes that of Lord Fairfax, who was gen- eral of the Parliamentary army opposing that of Charles I, of England.

Gen. Joseph Martin attained prominence as a general during the Revolutionary War, and rendered invaluable assistance to the Cause of Independence. He was the father of five sons, namely: Henry ; James G. ; George; Joseph; and the youngest, of whose name the record is missing. and who remained in Ken- tucky with his father and his brother, Joseph. .George was the grandfather of the subject of this sketch. Henry settled in Henry County, Virginia, and it was after him that the town of Martinsville was named. James G. settled with his brother, George, in Norfolk County, Vir- ginia, where they owned adjoining farms. He was an Episcopalian minister and later re- moved to Elizabeth City, North Carolina. He had one son, William, a celebrated doctor of Elizabeth City, North Carolina. Dr. William Martin had three sons, viz .: Gen. James G .; William F. : and Dr. Charles. Gen. James G. Martin was a major in the Mexican War, and a major-general in the Confederate Army, being a graduate at West Point. Among his de- scendants is Judge W. B. Martin, of Norfolk. William F. Martin was a colonel in the Con- federate Army. Dr. Charles Martin was a distinguished dentist of Norfolk ; he died with- out issue.

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History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900, Part 92

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