History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900, Part 96

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 96

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in Richmond, and in March again went to New York and became quartermaster on the steamer "Saratoga." of the Old Dominion line. a com- pany which had been organized a short time previously. Thus began his services with the Old Dominion line, with which he has since continued. During this extended period he has lost but three months work, that period being in 1874. when he became sick. In March, 1868, when Captain Earnest became identified with this company, the fleet of the Old Domin- ion Steamship Company consisted of four small seagoing ships, namely: "Albermarle," Capt. H. A. Bouerne; "Hatteras." Capt. George W. Couch ; "Niagara," Capt. Sylvester Blakeman : and "Saratoga," Capt. S. Alexander : also an old screw steamer, "Virginia." which was used for a spare boat. In the fall of 1868, he was promoted to be second mate of the "Saratoga," and during 1869-1870 was mate of the "Wyan- oke." the first iron vessel built by the company. It was the finest and fleetest ship on the coast, and was of about 2,000 tons burden. He be- came first officer on this boat, and in 1873 took command of the "Hatteras." His record for quick promotion is most remarkable. He started as quartermaster, without friend or favor, in 1868, and in October, 1873, was made captain, having passed through all the inter- mediate grades in a little over five and one-half years. He was 27 years of age when he was made captain, and was the youngest man who ever commanded an Old Dominion steamer. However, he was not permitted to enjoy his good fortune long, being obliged to retire from sea service and take shore duty on account of a partial loss of eyesight, after serving success- fully as master about 12 months. He served as chief stevedore at Norfolk from 1874 to 1894, and then as wharf superintendent from 1894 to 1900. Since 1900, he has served most efficiently in the capacity of division superin- tendent. His long term of faithful service has gained for him the good will of the officials of the Old Dominion Steamship Company, and

he enjoys the highest esteem of the employees of that company in general.

In 1876, Captain Earnest married Sarah E. Talley, a daughter of Nathaniel and Mary J. Talley, of Hanover County, Virginia. Mrs. Earnest departed this life in 1896, leaving five children. as follows: Mary Louise: Charles A. ; Elizabeth Talley; Agnes Mills ; and Jennie Ludwell.

T. SCOTT. the active manager of the well-known furniture firm of Thomas Scott's Sons of Ports- mouth, Virginia, of which he is also a member, is a business man of no ordinary ability, as the unqualified suc- cess of that enterprising firm goes to prove. The present company is composed of W. T. and A. C. Scott, and their affairs are conducted in a large, three-story building, 24 by 113 feet in dimensions, at No. 317 High street, and the capacity of this large building is insufficient at the present time, and the increasing trade compels the owners to have additional room, so that the adjoining building at No. 319 High street is also utilized for this purpose. The house carries a large stock of all kinds of furni- ture, and employs several clerks, Mr. Scott having full charge of the undertaking and em- balming department, and being an expert in that line.

This concern is one of the largest of its kind in Portsmouth, enjoys a fair patronage, and is the oldest furniture house in the State. The business was established by Thomas Scott, father of W. T. Scott, in 1856. In that year, he erected a substantial building, having done business in a small way since 1850. Under his splendid management. the business was conducted very successfully up to his death. which occurred December 25, 1897. During the Confederate War he served four years as a sergeant in the Signal Corps of the Army of

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Northern Virginia, leaving his business inter- ests during that time in the hands of Caleb Fleming. Mr. Fleming proved faithful to the trust and was afterward taken in as a partner and the business was carried on for some years under the firm name of Scott & Fleming. Thomas Scott was quite a prominent and pub- lic spirited citizen, and was interested in various enterprises of importance in and about Ports- mouth, where he was born, reared and spent almost his entire life. He owned several fine farms, one being located just six miles from Portsmouth. He was a director in the Bank of Portsmouth.

W. T. Scott was born at No. 714 Mill street, which is still his home. In early youth he entered his father's establishment, where he remained for some time, but for 14 years prior to the death of that beloved parent, hie con- ducted a truck farm, and succeeded to his father's business in 1897. Socially, he is a man of much prominence, being a member of the following organizations: B. P. O. E .; K. of P .; I. O. O. F., both the lodge and encamp- ment ; I. O. R. M .; Royal Arcanum; I. O. H .; and Chambers Steam Fire Engine Company, No. 2. In his religious views he favors the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. As a citizen he is one of the valued members of the community, and is held in high esteem by all his acquaintances.

ESSE O. REID, a member of the firm of D. P. Reid & Brother, dealers in hay, grain and fertilizers, with place of business at Nos. 415-417 Church street, Norfolk, Virginia, was born in Northampton County, Virginia, August 19, 1866, and is a son of Victor and Ann W. Reid. His parents were natives of Northampton County.

Jesse O. Reid attended common schools in Surry County, and later William and Mary College, at Williamsburg, Virginia. He re-

moved to Norfolk when he was a boy, in 1871. After leaving college, and at the age of 19 years, he engaged in the mercantile business, in which he has continued up to the present time. He became a partner in the firm of D. P. Reid & Brother, which is very well known in Nor- folk and Norfolk County.

Mr. Reid has been a member of the board of local improvement of Brambleton ward for three years, chairman of the street committee for two years, and a member of the fi- nance committee for two years. He is a member of the Select Council, and is now serv- ing his second term. He belongs to the Wood- men of the World. Mr. Reid is a business man of great promise, full of energy, and pos- sessed of modern ideas in regard to the man- agement of his affairs. He is well known among business men of Norfolk, and is highly esteemed by all.

ILLIAM TAYLOR, who has been a resident of Norfolk since 1829, has witnessed the wonderful growth of the city in that period. He was for many years engaged in black- smithing but is now living in retirement, after a very active and successful business career. He was born in Powhatan County, Virginia, in 1813, and is a son of Jesse and Elizabeth Taylor.

Jesse Taylor was born in Virginia and al- ways followed the trade of a blacksmith, dying at about the age of 65 years. His wife was also a native of Virginia, and they reared seven children, of whom William is the only one now living.

William Taylor lived in Manchester, Vir- ginia, until 1829, when he moved to Norfolk and there attended school. He began the black- smith business on Church street, in 1833, and carried it on in a highly successful manner until the evacuation of Norfolk during the Con- federate War, since which time he has not en-

JAMES H. SAMMONS.

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gaged in business enterprises, except that he has always dealt more or less in real estate, and now owns the building where he lives, the one adjoining, and also other property in the city. He was an old line Whig during the existence of that party, but never sought political prefer- ment.

February 14. 1834. Mr. Taylor was united in marriage with Fanny Nimmo, of Princess Anne County, Virginia, and they reared six children, of whom one is now living .- Mrs. B. T. Bockover, of Norfolk. Mrs. Taylor died June 15. 1895. and Mr. Taylor took a second wife in the person of Mrs. Martha Balsom. He has three grandchildren: Horace P., Edward and Elizabeth Taylor. Religiously, Mr. Taylor has been an active member of Epworth Meth- odist Episcopal Church, South, for over 60 years, and has held many of its offices. He is a gentleman of wide acquaintance. and has numerous warm friends, who admire him for his many excellent traits of character.

ILLIAM LOWE HILLYER, a ris- ing young attorney of Norfolk. Norfolk County, Virginia, was born in San Francisco, California, in 1867. When he was a child his parents removed to Washington, D. C., where he was reared and educated. There he studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1894. He practiced law in Washington until 1896, when he went to Newport News, Virginia, and there continued his practice.

possesses much natural ability, is a fluent speak- er, and is a man of scholarly attainments. Al- though he has not resided long in Norfolk, he has made many firm friends, who have much confidence in his ability. He has a large prac- tice, which is steadily increasing. Mr. Hillyer is a member of the Board of Trade and Busi- ness Men's Association of Norfolk.

AMES H. SAMMONS, a prominent business man of Lambert's Point, Norfolk County, Virginia, whose por- trait is herewith shown, has quite re- cently leased his fine truck farm at that place and at the present time is interested in the real estate business at Norfolk. Mr. Sammons was born May 10, 1840, upon the same farm which is his home to-day and upon which his entire life has been spent.

Keeling Sammons, our subject's father, was born in Princess Anne County. Virginia, in 1810, and passed to his final rest in 1882. He turned his attention to farming early in life and supported himself and family by agricul- tural operations, and was at all times upright, industrious and progressive. He was joined- in marriage with Mrs. Mary Shumadine, whose birth took place in Norfolk County in 1802 and who survived her husband four years. Only one child blessed this union, James H., the subject of this biography.

James H. Sammons was educated in the public schools of his native place and early in life took up the same vocation as his father, that of truck farming. Being a man of more than ordinary ability and an indefatigable worker, he labored with the utmost zeal to im- prove his opportunities and has been very snc- cessful in his efforts. A short time ago he abandoned the hard manual labor connected with the farm and turned his attention to real- estate investments.

Mr. Hillver enlisted in the Fourth Regi- ment. Virginia Infantry, during the Spanish- American War, and was made a 2nd lieutenant, and afterward Ist lieutenant. He served for one year with the regiment, and afterward re- turned to his profession at Newport News. In the spring of 1901, he removed to Norfolk, where he has since been engaged in practice. He has met with much success in his profes- Mr. Sammons has been twice married. On sion, and is well known in legal circles. He December 25, 1861. he was married to Marga- 39

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ret Ann Holland, a daughter of John and Sarah (Abdell) Holland. Mrs. Sammons was born at Lambert's Point, near Bowden's Ferry, and has two brothers, John and Edward, and four sisters, Amanda H .; Eliza J., who married J. F. Coleman, of Norfolk County; Sarah; and Martha Virginia, the wife of Thomas Harmon, of Lambert's Point. By this union Mr. Sam- mons had two children: Mary M., wife of James G. Simmons, a real estate dealer of Nor- folk, who has three children, Marion L., Eloise and Margaret S .; and Margaret L., widow of R. A. Saunders, residing in Norfolk who has one daughter, Elizabeth M. Mrs. Sammons died July 14, 1871. Mr. Sammons was again married September 15, 1874, to Mary Peyton, of Norfolk County; by this union there was one son, James Keeling, who died at the age of seven years.

In his political convictions Mr. Sammons is an ardent Democrat, and upholds the interests of his chosen party. The family worships at the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and holds a high position in social circles.

HARLES H. BLIVEN, a prominent and influential citizen of Berkley, is superintendent of the Berkley & South Norwalk Water & Electric' Light Company. He was born in Berkley, May 27, 1879, and is a son of Charles and Jessie V. (Hope) Bliven.

Charles Bliven was born August IO, 1839, in New York State, where he attended the common schools. He served several years in the army during the Confederate War, and in 1865 located at Hampton, Virginia, where he operated a grist-mill and sawmill. He then · moved to Norfolk and for a time was engaged in house building. He then built wharves and docks, and in 1893 founded the Berkley Water 'Works. upon the completion of which he be- came superintendent. He then embarked in business on a new pier adjoining the Berkley

ferry-landing, supplying coal and water to steamers and harbor craft on short notice. It is an excellent lay-up dock for its patrons, as it is opposite the central portion of the city of Norfolk, and near the business part of Berk- ley, in close proximity to first-class machine- shops and ship-chandlers' stores. In addition to a modernly equipped coal elevator and water supply station, the firm has a large warehouse and is prepared to take out and store large cargoes of all sorts, and to afford excellent shipping facilities for the business men of Berkley and the trucking interests of this sec- tion. December 18, 1866, Mr. Bliven was united in marriage, at Hampton, Virginia, to Jessie V. Hope, a native of Virginia, and a daughter of G. W. and S. A. Hope, both na- tives of Virginia. Six children blessed this union, as follows: George H., who resides in Greenville, South Carolina, where he is super- intendent of the electric light, electric railway, and gas and water companies, having married . Minnie A. Durham, a native of Canada; M. Harvey, superintendent of the Norfolk County Water Company, who married Rena Heath, and resides in Norfolk: Sarah R .: Charles H., the subject of this sketch; Jessie A., who is in the employ of the Norfolk & Southern Railroad Company; and William E., a student. Mr. Bliven died September 7, 1898, and in him Berkley lost one of its best citizens.

Charles H. Bliven attended Robert Gate- wood's school, at Norfolk, Virginia, and after completing his schooling worked for his father. He was then with Civil Engineer Phelps, and later clerked for the Berkley Coal & Ice Com- pany. He then helped in the construction of the Norfolk County Water Works, on which he continued for six months, or until their completion. He then accepted the position of superintendent of the Berkley & South Norfolk Water & Electric Light Company. April I, 1902, he took charge of the Norfolk County Water Company as superintendent, with office at 25th and Church streets, Norfolk. He is a stockholder in the People's Bank of Berkley,

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and is chairman of the Berkley Fire Depart- ment. He has ever had the progress of the city at heart, and has cowributed both time and money to that end. He is a man of pleas- ing personality, and has many stanch friends throughout the county. Mr. Bliven is a mem- ber of the Baptist Church of Berkley, and be- longs to the Christian Endeavor Society of his church.

m ARTIN W. BURK, who is engaged in building, buying and selling houses in Norfolk, Norfolk Coun- ty, Virginia, was born in Germany, in 1831. He is a son of J. J. Burk, who came to America before the Con- federate War, and who manufactured saddlery, knapsacks, and various leather necessities for military use.

Martin W. Burk learned the saddlery business under his father while in Germany, and in 1855 started for the United States, making for the port of Baltimore, Maryland. They were kept from landing for three months on account of yellow fever in that city. A year later they came to Norfolk, where Mr. Burk remained one year. He then went to Eliza- beth City, North Carolina, where he opened a saddlery store. In this he was very successful, receiving large contracts for military work during the war. He employed 62 men to as- sist him, and did an enormous business. At the close of the war, he went to Norfolk, where he entered the drygoods, shoe and notion busi- ness. his store being located where C. D. Kenny's tea store now stands. In 1869, he sold out his drygoods store, and opened a con- fectioner's store, which he conducted for II years. He sold out that business to engage in buying, selling and building houses. The first home he erected was a double house on Church street. and since that he has erected many buildings. He built the Charlotte business block on Main street, five modern brick houses on Cumber street, four brick houses in Bram-

bleton; one brick house on York street; five houses on Washington street: four on Goff street ; four on Holt street; and 10 in Grigsby Place. He opened Grigsby Place by erect- ing 10 fine houses with pressed-brick fronts. In addition to building new houses, he has bought many old ones, and after re- modeling them, has sold them at a good profit. He owns two fine cottages at Ocean View Beach. When he first began to build houses, he bought some land on Princess Anne Road, where he established a brick manufac- turing plant, using the brick in building his houses. Later he sold this plant. He is con- nected with many of the leading enterprises of Norfolk, and is one of that city's most pro- gressive citizens. He has done more than his share in assisting in the growth of the city, and is held in high esteem by all who come in contact with him.

Mr. Burk married Louisa T. Trudewind, whose death occurred in 1892. Three chil- dren, who resulted from this union, are living, namely : William H., of the firm of Ames & Burk, piano dealers; Carrie, who married W. H. Hyslop; and Emma, who married T. J. Carey.

APT. RICHARD B. BOAZ, who is captain of the steamer "Hamilton," which is owned by the Old Domin- ion Steamship Company, was born in Prince George County, Virginia, January 20, 1843. He is a son of John and Clara (Gilbert ) Boaz. John Boaz was born in Scarborough, England, and his wife was born in Chesterfield County. Virginia. He was a master mariner and followed a seafaring life until his death, which occurred at the age of 65 years. His wife died, aged 57 years. They had but one child,-Richard B ..- whose name heads this sketch.

Richard B. Boaz grew to manhood în Ches- terfield County, Virginia, He received his schooling at City Point, Virginia, and at the

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early age of 14 years began his seafaring life. His first work was as boy on deck, and from that position he has worked his way to the top, filling the various positions up to that of master. He has sailed all over the Atlantic, and has had charge of many vessels. He be- gan service in the employ of the Old Dominion Steamship Company in 1867, his first command

being the old "Hatteras." He left the employ of that company for a few years, but resumed his connection in 1873. He is one of the old- est employees of that company. He has had command of the "Hatteras," "Breakwater," "Brighton," "Roanoke." "Guyandotte," "Man- hattan." "Jamestown," "Princess Anne" and his present vessel, the "Hamilton." This ves- sel he has commanded since January, 1900. It is a fine vessel, and Captain Boaz is an excellent navigator. He lias been very successful in his sea career, and is a man of genial, pleasant per- sonality.

Captain Boaz married Mrs. Hughes, who was formerly Louisa Merchant. She has three children,-Alfred S .; Mary L .: and Agnes. Captain Boaz is a member of the A. F. & A. M.

NTONIO J. SMITH, a very prom- ising young attorney-at-law, residing at Norfolk. Virginia, was admitted to the bar in Norfolk County and has been practicing since the spring of 1900. He is winning hosts of friends, and bids fair to become one of the leading lawyers of his community. He is a son of Peter Smith, well known as one of Norfolk's leading dry goods merchants, as well as a reliable citi- zen, and is a brother of the late Peter X. Smith, who will long be remembered as one of Nor- folk's distinguished attorneys.

Peter X. Smith spent his early life in Nor- folk, Virginia, attending the public schools for some time, and striving most diligently for his education. After completing the course given in a preparatory school, he entered Georgetown University, and graduated with the degrees

of Master of Arts and Master of Laws. From that time on he practiced with great success in Norfolk, and built up the most lucrative prac- tive then enjoyed by any lawyer in that city. He was closely identified with many enterprises which have added to the growth and wealth of the city and given it prestige as a thriving business center. In a short time he was fam- ous for his talent and eloquence, and was an efficient master of chancery until his death in February, 1896. In losing Mr. Smith, Nor- folk lost not only an esteemed and respected citizen, but one who had mastered all he had striven to attain, one who never faltered in the path of duty, and one greatly interested in much of the business life of the city. He held a number of offices, such as director in the Norfolk Bank for Savings & Trusts, and was a member of the Business Men's Association, in which he was very popular. ·

The subject of this sketch was a native of Norfolk, and first saw the light of day in 1876. His boyhood days were happily spent in attend- ing school in his native city, where he improved every opportunity for securing all the education possible. He entered Georgetown University after his primary study was finished, and took a classical course, graduating in 1896. About this time he chose law for his profession and re-entered Georgetown University, to prepare himself for his life work. In 1898, he received the degree of Bachelor of Laws and in 1899 the degree of Master of Laws. He then re- turned to Norfolk, and made that city his home. He was fortunate in his efforts to se- cure a foothold there. and after a time was ap- pointed or commissioned deputy clerk of the Court of Law and Chancery.

RANK H. MILLER is engaged in the real estate, loan and insurance business in Portsmouth. Norfolk County, Virginia. He was born in Virginia, and was reared on his fa- ther's farm.

DEVEREUX W. WARREN.

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Mr. Miller is a self-made man, having re- ceived but a limited education and having started out in life without capital. At the age of 17 years he came to Norfolk County, where he became a collector for a firm at $5 per week. He later moved to Portsmouth, where he was employed by John Crawford for six years and five months. He spent several months in New York City at one time, where he was engaged as clerk for the Adams Ex- press Company. After leaving the employ of Mr. Crawford he started into business for himself, and has occupied his present office for the past six years. Upon entering this line. he rented a room in a private house, at No. 612 Columbia street, where he conducted business for some time. As his patronage in- creased rapidly, he was soon compelled to find larger quarters, and he is now located at No. 612 Middle street. He established his present business in 1893, and he is now one of the largest dealers of the kind in Ports- mouth. He handles large land deals, but has always been independent in his ventures, hav- ing never been connected with any of the large land companies. He employs three clerks to assist him in his work, and they are kept con- stantly busy. He represents the National. Pennsylvania and Philadelphia Underwriters fire insurance companies. Persevering and self-reliant, he has worked himself to the top. and no man in Portsmouth has more cause to be proud of his success than has Mr. Miller. Ile began, as before stated, without capital, but each day he devoted himself to his work with renewed energy and a determination to succeed. He is now one of the leading busi- ness men of Portsmouth.

Mr. Miller was united in marriage with Effie Clark, of Washington, in 1888. Her father is buried in that city, having died about 30 years ago. He was a contractor and builder. After his death her mother removed with her two daughters to Norfolk County. Virginia. Mrs. Miller's sister married V. B. Stuyvesant, of Richmond, Virginia. To Mr.

Miller and his wife have been born five chil- dren, namely: Howard: Crawford: Frank; Effie : and Margaret. J. D. Miller, a brother of Mr. Miller, is a prosperous harness and carriage dealer, having places of business at Hampton and Newport News, Virginia.

The subject of this sketch has been active in Democratic politics for the past two years. Socially, he is a member of the Royal Ar- canum: I. O. O. F .: B. P. O. E .: and Chambers Steam Engine Fire Company. No. 2. He is a Methodist in religious preferences.

EVEREUX W. WARREN. one of Norfolk's prominent business men, whose portrait accompanies this sketch, is engaged in business at No. 105 Commercial Place. where he han- dles seeds of all kinds. He was born in North- ampton County, Virginia, and is a son of Thomas P. Warren.

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History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900, Part 96

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