USA > Virginia > City of Norfolk > City of Norfolk > History of Norfolk County, Virginia : and representative citizens, 1637-1900 > Part 97
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Thomas P. Warren was also a native of Northampton County. Virginia, and when a young man came to Norfolk, where he first taught school. Later he was clerk for some years for Borum & McClean, dealers in agri- cultural implements. after which he and C. Billups purchased the agricultural implement business of S. March, taking John J. Wood- house in as partner. They carried on an ex- tensive business for many years and when C. Billups sold his interest. Mr. Woodhouse be- came equal partner with Mr. Warren and con- tinued the business until 1869. At that time but little trucking was done in Norfolk Coun- ty and Warren & Woodhouse carried but a small stock in seeds. Mr. Warren persuaded the trucksters to raise spinach, which they found to be a success, so much so that they shipped it to Northern markets. After that the firm handled grains and seeds of all sorts, and were very successful in selling them. Mr. Warren, who was succeeded in business by his son in 1869. lived to reach the age of 74 years, dying in 1895.
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Devereux W. Warren was two years of age when brought from Northampton Coun- ty to Norfolk, where he received his education. He clerked in a grocery and also in a clothing store for a number of years, and also clerked for his father until the latter's retirement. Thus he gained much practical experience in his line of business, and that, together with energy and a determination to succeed, has been the secret of his success. His ex- perience has proved that spinach is one of the most profitable crops grown in the South, much of it being shipped North. The fall pea crop has also found a ready market of late. Mr. Warren handles both home and foreign products, and his knowledge of seeds is un- disputed. His store was located first on Roan- oke Square, later on Roanoke avenue, and in 1892 was removed to its present location, No. 105 Commercial Place. Mr. Warren pos- sesses much good business ability, sound judg- ment and energy, and his method in dealing with customers is honest and above criticism. He is one of Norfolk's progressive citizens.
EORGE DONIPHAN PARKER, Jr .. a member of the firm of George D. Parker & Son, attorneys-at-law in Berkley, Norfolk County, Virginia, was born in Berkley in 1870. He is son of George Doniphan Parker, Sr., and Ur- banna Howey, his wife, the former a native of Missouri, and the latter, of North Carolina.
George Doniphan Parker, Sr., settled in' Portsmouth, Norfolk County, in 1867, and one year later removed to Berkley. He served in the Confederate War, being captain of his com- pany, under Colonel Lamb, commanding the regiment. He began the practice of law in Berkley, in 1870, and has served as county judge and commonwealth's attorney. He has also been a presidential elector. He has always been identfiied with the growth and develop- ment of Berkley, and gives his assistance to
every worthy public enterprise which is for the good of the community. He married Urbanna Howey, a native of North Carolina, and this union was blessed by the birth of four children, namely: Thomas H., deceased, who was a civil engineer; Mary A., deceased; George Doniphan, Jr .. the subject of this sketch ; and William H., deceased. Mr. Parker and his wife are members of the Protestant Episcopal Church.
George Doniphan Parker, Jr., attended the public schools in Norfolk County, and also a private school in Fauquier County for one' vear. He then entered Randolph-Macon Col- lege, where he remained for three and a half years. After his course at that institution he entered the employ of the Norfolk & Southern Railroad Company, and continued thus for three years. He then entered the law depart- ment of Washington and Lee College, where he graduated in June, 1892. He was ad- mitted to the bar the month following, and immediately began the practice of his pro- fession. He entered into partnership with his father, the firm name reading George D. Park- er & Son. They had offices in Berkley and in Portsmouth for one year, but abandoned the Portsmouth office on account of the father's sickness. They practice in all the courts of the State,-civil, criminal and maritime. This firm has become very well known, and they have a large clientage. Both gentlemen are lawyers of much ability, having won recogni- tion throughout the country.
ICHOLAS C. PAMPLIN, who has been one of the substantial citi- zens of Norfolk, Virginia, for the past 27 years, is manager of the Western Union Telegraph Com- pany's office in that city.
Mr. Pamplin was born in Appomattox County, Virginia, and was reared and educated in the town of Pamplin. He learned telegraphy
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at the age of 20 years. in Pamplin, Virginia. in 1862, and thereafter went to Richmond, Vir- ginia, where he served during the most stirring part of the Confederate War. As a telegrapher. he rendered valuable service to the cause of the Confederacy. He subsequently served one year in Georgia, and from September, 1865, to August. 1866, was located at St. Louis, Mis- souri. He then returned to Virginia, and was located in the city of Richmond until January. 1875. when he removed to Norfolk to accept his present position as manager of the Western Union Telegraph Company's office there. . \t that time there were four instuments in oper- ation, two operators, one clerk, four messen- gers and one lineman. At the present time there are 33 instruments, 17 operators, seven clerks and four linemen, with an average of 60 miles each. Many of the wires now used as duplexed and quadruplexed, thus greatly in- creasing the carrying capacity. There are two duplexed wires direct to New York City. When Mr. Pamplin first assumed charge of the local office, it was located in the Dodd Build- ing. formerly occupied by John Dodd's tailor shop. In October. 1899. it was removed to the present handsome quarters in the Dodson Building, at No. 185 Main street, where the Citizens' Bank was formerly located. Mr. Pamplin served one term in the City Council of Norfolk. He has always evinced a deep in- terest in public affairs ; he has served 16 years as a member of the School Board, and is now a member of the city health department.
DOLPH MICHELSOHN. during his six years' residence in Norfolk, Vir- ginia, has attracted much attention as a lawyer and counselor and com- mands a large practice.
Mr. Michelsohn is a native of Germany. where he was educated, studied law and ad- mitted to practice. He came to the United States and landed at Baltimore, Maryland.
where he practiced his profession with a marked degree of success until 1806, when he located in Norfolk. His superior knowledge of the fundamental principles of procedure, and his ability as a counselor soon became ap- parent. As a natural consequence his prac- tice increased and now extends over Eastern Virginia and the northern portion of North Carolina. He makes a specialty of assign- ment cases. His office is in the Talbot Build- ing on Main street. Apart from his profes- sion, he takes an active interest in the progress and advancement of Norfolk.
Mr. Michelsohn is prominently identified with a number of fraternal organizations. among them, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. He is a stockholder in the National Bank of Commerce, and is connected with various business firms.
S. SPRATLEY, one of the most esteemed residents of the city of Norfolk. Virginia, and vice-presi- dent of the Merchants & Mechan- ics' Bank of that city, was born in Norfolk, October 31. 1820. He is a son of Joseph Spratley.
The subject of this biography was reared in Norfolk, where he learned the trade of a gunsmith with his father, and succeeded him in business. "He conducted a general gun and repair store. Later, with his brother, he de- voted his attention to agricultural pursuits, and for 20 years owned what is now known as the City Park. This formerly consisted of 75 acres of land, and was purchased from Mrs. Seymour. Mr. Spratley raised all kinds of vegetables, for which he found a ready market in Norfolk. He sold his farm and removed to Norfolk, where he has since resided. In 1857. he was one of the reorganizers of the Merchants' & Mechanics' Bank, the only or- ganization of the kind now doing business in Norfolk which withstood the Confederate
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HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
War. In 1853. with Elisha Gammage as its first president, there were stockholders, but three of whom are living. They are: J. E. Barry; John C. Sheppard, of Princess Anne County ; and W. S. Spratley. The last named gentleman is the only one now directly con- nected with the management of the bank. Mr. Spratley was made vice-president of the insti- tution January 1, 1897.
In 1850, Mr. Spratley married Mary J. De- laney, and to them were born seven children, as follows : James H. and William D., both farmers: Richmond; Eliza C. (Cooper) ; Ella (Holland) ; Mary; and Joseph R. The four last named are deceased. Mr. Spratley has watched with interest the progress and growth of Norfolk County; and has always been one of Norfolk's most influential citizens, entering into any enterprise which was for the good of the community . He is well known and highly esteemed in the city.
OHN JAY WARREN, a prominent citizen of Portsmouth, Virginia, is secretary and treasurer of the Ports- mouth Gas Company. He was born in Norfolk County, Virginia, and is a son of John Jay Warren, Sr., who died in 1896.
John Jay Warren, Sr., was born on the old family homestead, about 10 miles from Lake Drummond, and three miles from the present town of Wallaceton. His father was also born on this property, which was established by the latter's father, who came from Halifax County, North Carolina, about the close of the Revolu- tionary War. John Jay Warren, Sr., married a daughter of Franklin Lynch, also a native of Norfolk County. Her mother was a daugh- ter of Captain Grimes. This union re- sulted in the following offspring: John J., the subject of this sketch ; Franklin T., a druggist of Portsmouth ; E. Claude of Portsmouth ; M. D .; L. A .; and Ralph A. Mr. Warren had previously married a Miss Charlton, by whom
he had two daughters, both of whom are now living. He engaged in mercantile pursuits until the outbreak of the Confederate War, and then became a member of Grimes' Battery, Artillery, with which he continued until 1863. when he was accidentally injured. He was later transferred to the hospital corps under Dr. Frank Anthony Walke, of Norfolk. Upon the close of the war, he settled at the old home in Norfolk County and followed farming prac- tically up to the time of his death. He was a Democrat and active in political affairs. He was commissioner of revenue for Norfolk County, and was also superintendent of the poor at one time. He was a member of the Board of County Commissioners at the time of his death, and was secretary of the electoral board of Norfolk County.
John Jay Warren, the gentleman whose name heads these lines, was a pupil in the pub- lic and high schools of Norfolk County, and at the age of 17 years entered business life. He was clerk in a store in Norfolk one year. He was then clerk of the Norfolk Gas Com- pany, from August 20, 1896, until January 15, 1900, and on the latter date was promoted to be cashier and chief clerk. He resigned this position January 15 1901, to accept his present one as secretary and treasurer of the Ports- mouth Gas Company. He is also secretary of the Portsmouth Business Men's Association. He resides with his mother and her family at Portsmouth. Some of the members of the family are Episcopalians and others are Bap- tists in their religious preferences.
APT. JOSEPH W. SIMMONS, in- spector of hulls for the Norfolk district, has led the life of a navigat- or, and has worked his way from the bottom of the ladder slowly but surely to the top. Captain Simmons is a na- tive of Elizabeth City, North Carolina, and made his appearance in Norfolk in 1873. His
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Godward Cole
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education was very limited, for he attended school but nine weeks before beginning his maritime career.
The first situation Captain Simmons ob- tained was on a sailing vessel, where he was engaged as cook, the trip being to Norfolk. There he remained for the short space of 17 days, working for the master of the vessel. After receiving three whippings he took his leave, and shipped on a vessel called the "Snowstorm." an inland and Southern trader. on which he staid for 12 months. He then returned to Norfolk and engaged in work with the Baker Wrecking Company. He became master of three ships for this company, and was given a master's and pilot's license on taking leave of the company. The first steam vessel he commanded was the "William Gates." This he left after a time. and engaged in the coast survey, which was in its first sea- son under the supervision of the naval officers. He worked on the coast of Florida until 1878. when he entered the life-saving service, having previously worked. in 1874-1875. on the coast of North Carolina. In 1880 he returned to Norfolk and entered the service of the Clyde Steamship Company, plying between Norfolk and North Carolina ports. and later worked on the tugboat "William H. Phillips." as master. His time of service there was 38 months, after which he entered the employ of the New York. Philadelphia & Norfolk Rail- road Company. as mate of the "Cape Charles.' and at different times was both mate and cap- tain of every boat in the service. Captain Simmons again desired a change. and leaving that company. he engaged with the Norfolk County Ferries, and later with the Merritt Wrecking Company. He then returned to the service of the Clyde Steamship Company, and afterward engaged in coastwise piloting. For a short time he was also in the Old Dominion Steamship Company's service. but about 10 years ago he engaged as master of the steam- boat "Dennie Simmons." on which he re- mained until his appointment. in October.
1891. as United States Inspector of Hulls, for the Norfolk district.
. During his long years of active service Captain Simmons has never faltered, but has pushed forward and upward with untiring en- ergy and zeal. until he stands far in advance of his starting point. He is not yet content. however, and his friends predict for him a still better future, to be attained by his per- severance. uprightness and wise judgment.
Fraternally, Captain Simmons belongs to Norfolk Lodge. No. I, A. F. & A. M .: Nor- folk United Chapter, No. I. R. A. M .: Grice Commandery, No. 16, K. T .: and Acca Temple. A. A. O. N. M. S., of Richmond, Virginia.
AMES EDWARD COLE. an attorney- at-law. of Norfolk. Virginia, whose portrait accompanies this sketch, was born in Greenesville County. Virginia. September 30, 1865. His father was John Cole. of Petersburg, Virginia, a son of William Cole, of Prince George County, and a member of one of the most prominent families of Tidewater Virginia. His mother, Richetta Peter, of Surry County, was a daughter of John Peter, and also a member of one of the leading families of Tidewater Virginia. She was a granddaughter of Richard Cocke, of Bacon's Castle. Virginia, from whose family Mr. Cole's father was also descended. John Cole and his wife were second cousins. He died in Greenesville County in August. 1889. and his wife died in 1879. They were buried at Grace Church. Meherrin Parish, of that county.
James Edward Cole takes his first given name from James Cocke, of Bon Accord, Vir- ginia, and his middle name from Edward Wy- att. of Greenesville County, a relative of the Cole family. Mr. Cole was reared in Peters- burg, where he attended McCabe's school. He entered the University of Virginia, and was graduated from that institution June 26, 1889,
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HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
with the degree of B. L. He then removed to Norfolk, where he engaged in the practice of his profession, residing in the county, outside of the city, for a period of 10 years. He moved into the city of Norfolk, in March, 1899. He was a partner of L. L. Kellam for one year, and in February, 1892, formed a partnership with Robert W. Shultice, under the firm name of Cole & Shultice. This association was dis- solved in July, 1900, after a very successful ex- istence of eight years, and Mr. Cole has since continued alone. He makes a specialty of cor- poration law, and is attorney for the Bay Shore Electric Railway. He was the chief pro- moter of the Cape Henry syndicate, organized for the purpose of developing the land sur- rounding Cape Henry. Since he took hold of the enterprise the United States gov- ernment has surveyed land in the district for the purpose of erecting forts. He is president of the Chesapeake Transit Com- pany, which is now in operation, the object being to connect Cape Henry with Nor- folk, having a deep-water terminus at Lynn- haven Bay, which is west of Cape Henry, at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay. A man of ceaseless energy, with no inclination to identify himself with matters foreign to his profession, he has achieved a great success. He is an esteemed member of the legal profes- sion and a valued citizen of Norfolk.
ILLIAM TALBOT WALKE. This gentleman is prominent in busi- ness circles of Norfolk, Norfolk County, Virginia, being at the head of a large general insurance agency in that city. He is descended from one of the earliest and best-known families in Vir- ginia, was born in Norfolk, January 31, 1838. and is a son of Richard and Mary D. (Talbot) Walke.
One Thomas Walke settled in Princess Ann County, Virginia, in 1762. He married
Mary Lawson, and they had a son, Anthony, who also had a son named Anthony. An- thony, the third, was William Talbot Walke's great-grandfather. His son, William Walke, was born in 1787, and married Elizabeth M. Nash. They were the parents of Richard Walke, father of the subject of this sketch.
Richard Walke was born in 1812, in Prin- cess Anne County, Virginia, where his family had lived for generations. Previous to the out- break of the Confederate War he was ap- pointed deputy collector of customs, and later was cashier of the old Norfolk Savings Bank.
William Talbot Walke was graduated from William and Mary College at the age of 18 years. He later engaged in a wholesale business concern, where he continued until 1862, when he enlisted in the Confederate Army. He served as adjutant in the 39th Battalion, Virginia Cavalry, during the re- mainder of the conflict between the North and South. In 1869 he engaged in his present business, and later admitted his son, Isaac Talbot Walke, to the agency. They represent many of the oldest and best-known companies in fire, life, accident and marine insurance. The companies represented are as follows : Commercial Union Assurance Company (Lim- ited) of London, England; Royal Exchange Assurance Company, of London ; Phoenix As- surance Company, of London ; Northern As- surance Company of London : Pennsylvania Fire Insurance Company of Philadelphia ; the Petersburg Savings Insurance Company of Petersburg, Virginia ; Thames and Mersey Ma- rine Insurance Company (Limited) of Lon- don; Travelers' Insurance Company of Hart- ford, Connecticut, and a number of others. They also have the local ticket agency for the New York, Philadelphia & Norfolk Railroad, Norfolk, Ocean View & Virginia Beach Rail- way and the principal lines to Europe; they also sell excursion tickets to summer resorts at reduced rates.
Mr. Walke has the following children now living: Richard G .; Mary, who married J. P.
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Higginson : Sally W., the wife of H. Chipley; and Isaac T. Mr. Walke is a man of keen business perceptions, is possessed of much ability and energy, and is looked upon as one of the foremost citizens of Norfolk, eminently worthy of the esteem in which he is held and of the confidence reposed in him.
SAAC R. DOZIER, who is engaged in the general merchandise business at Dozier's Corner, near Money Point, Norfolk County, Virginia, was born in North Carolina, September 22, 1867. T. lley Dozier. the grandfather of Isaac R .. was born in Norfolk County, Virginia, and was a farmer all his life. He lived in North Carolina until his death. He married Frances Holstead, and to them were born three chil- (Iren, namely: Philip: Mary (West) ; and Samuel, the father of Isaac R.
Samuel Dozier was born in North Carolina, June 22, 1826, and worked on his father's farm until he reached his majority. He lived in North Carolina until 1900, when he removed to Norfolk, and is now making his home with his son. In 1863. he enlisted in Hinton's regi- ment, North Carolina Infantry, and served un- til the close of the war. He followed farming all of his active business life. and gave up that occupation after his removal to Norfolk Coun- ty. In 1852, he married Elizabeth Matthias, who was born in North Carolina, February I, 1836. They reared the following children : Jennie, who married a Mr. Phillips, and lives in South Norfolk: Mary (Eason) ; Hilliard; Isaac R. : Enoch F., a mechanic, who lives in Brambleton; and Sallie, deceased.
Isaac R. Dozier attended the common schools of his native county, and worked on his father's farm until 1892. In that year he re- moved to Norfolk, where he worked in Wrenn's carriage factory until 1893. He then opened a general store in Berkley, where he resided for one year, and in 1895, he located in Moyock.
North Carolina, where he engaged in business. He resided there until 1900, when he purchased his present property near Money Point, to which he moved February 1. 1900. He has since erected a comfortable eight-room frame house of two stories. He has a store at the place known as Dozier's Corner, and there he he is engaged in the general merchandise busi- ness. He has met with much success, which is due entirely to his own untiring efforts and determination to succeed. Politically Mr. Dozier is a Democrat.
R ICHARD TURNER BROOKE, a well-known citizen of Norfolk, Vir- ginia. where he has followed vari- ous lines of business. is at present de- linquent tax collector. He was born in Culpeper. Virginia, June 5. 1863, and is a son of John L. and Maria (Ashby) Brooke.
Mr. Brooke comes of distinguished ances- try on both sides of the house. He is a grand- son of Matthew W. Brooke, who had four brothers and a sister, the latter being Mrs. Landon Carter. of Fauquier County, Virginia. He was reared and educated in Edinburgh, Scotland. and on coming to America located in Prince William County, Virginia. He mar- ried Elizabeth Lewis, a daughter of Warner Lewis, who owned "Warner Hall." one of the most ancient and historic places of Gloucester County. Virginia. She had a sister. Mary Lewis. mother of Mrs. Edward C. Marshall, of Markham. Virginia.
Jolin L. Brooke was born at "Warner Hall." Virginia, in October, 1824. His father moved to Fauquier County when John L. was a mere child, and there he was reared, near Markham. On the opening of the war he was made captain of Company E, 13th Regiment Virginia Infantry, and was taken prisoner in 1864. He was confined in the Old Capitol Prison in Washington until the close of the war. Prior to that great conflict he was the
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owner of large landed estates. He was united in marriage with Maria Ashby, a daughter of Marshall Ashby, of Belmont, Virginia. Her father married a Miss Cocke. Marshall Ash- by had three brothers, Turner, Samuel and Thompson. Gen. Turner Ashby, a. son of Samuel, and a cousin of Mrs. Brooke, was reared in the same house with the last named, and was like a brother to her. He was a gen- eral in the Confederate Army and gave his life for the cause, as did his brother Richard, who was killed near Winchester. For these two gallant soldiers the subject of this sketch was named. Mrs. Brooke had two brothers, Dr. John Washington, a surgeon on General Early's staff, and Col. Henry, who fought un- der Zollicoffer and Kirby Smith, and was twice badly wounded. The latter was made a brigadier general just before the war closed. and while engaged in the practice of law at Knoxville. Tennessee, was assassinated by a Yankee carpetbagger. John L. Brooke and his faithful wife were the parents of the following children : Robert, of Fauquier County, Vir- ginia ; Lucy M., who married A. P. Davis., and had a daughter. Helen, deceased; War- ner L., who married Miss Shelby Fassman, of Nashville, Tennessee, and has a son, Douglas ; Rebecca Peyton, deceased. wife of F. S. Tay- lor, who had the following children, Tazewell, A. Brooke, Anna, F. Southgate, and Selden ; John Ashby, who married Sarah Forrant. both now deceased ; Agnes, wife of Dr. John C. Wise, living in Warrenton, Virginia, who has three children,-Douglas, Henry and Ag- nes : Richard Turner, the subject of this sketch ; and John L., a teacher residing at Remington. Virginia.
Richard Turner Brooke was reared in Gloucester County, where he attended the com- mon schools and Gloucester Academy, and graduated from the latter institution. He first engaged in the transportation business at Nor- folk, whither he moved in 1881. Several years later he became registry clerk in the Norfolk Post Office under the first Cleveland admini-
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