USA > Virginia > City of Norfolk > City of Norfolk > History of Norfolk County, Virginia and representative citizens, V.2 > Part 13
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ORNELIUS MICHAEL CRUSER, a well-known resident of Norfolk County. Virginia, whose portrait ac- companies this sketch, comes of a very prominent family of this sec- tion. His earliest ancestors in America came from Germany in 1790, and settled near Port Richmond, on Staten Island. where at one time they owned a farm near the Sailors' Snug Har- bor, a place of retreat for disabled sailors. The name of the family was spelled Krutzer until changed to the present style by Capt. Cornelius Cruser about 1833.
Capt. Cornelius Cruser and his family re- moved from Staten Island. New York. to Gloucester County. Virginia, and located on the York River. 15 miles above Yorktown. He embarked in the oyster business, of which he was one of the pioneers. The water-front along the river was owned by a few persons. some individuals holding as much as five miles frontage, all of which they wished to retain. Being unable to buy Captain Cruser was forced to lease land for a home. With his sons. he embarked in the oyster business, owning a 20-ton vessel in which to carry oysters to New York. The oysters at that time were assorted according to size, the largest ones being placed by hand in the vessel, with the deep shell down, so that they would keep for a month or more.
They were sold by the hundred. Their small boats made four trips to New York each sca- son. Captain Cornelius Cruser had four chil- dren: Washington C .: Cornelius Crocheron; James Henry; and a daughter who was dorwned in York River by the capsizing of a boat.
Capt .. Cornelius Cocheron Cruser, in 1853. moved from Gloucester County to Tanner's Creek, in Norfolk County, where he bought four acres of land from Michael Hendren and built the old homestead as it now stands. The house was framed on Staten Island, loaded on a vessel and brought to Tanner's Creek, where it was completed by a Northern contractor. The framing is of hemlock, the weather boards, of white pine. and the foundation, of New York pressed brick. He changed his business somewhat and began to plant oysters in Tan- ner's Creek. For many years he carried his own oysters to New York, but gave it up after moving to Tanner's Creek, disposing of his large vessels and using only small sloops, more suited to the place. Seeing the necessity of having labor he could control, he commenced to buy slaves and owned eight at the time of the outbreak between the North and the South. He was a Union man but took no part in the war. At that time he owned five small sloops. one of which was confiscated in York River, and another in Petersburg: aside from this he lost most of the money he had in the bank. At this time he had a great many oysters planted. and as he was shut off from Northern markets, he could only peddle a few in the city and to the soldiers. After the declaration of peace, his oysters that had been growing four years brought a good price from Northern buyers. He then bought several small sloops, and in connection with the oyster business began rais- ing vegetables for Northern markets.
Capt. Cornelius C. Cruser was married. in 1845. to Margaret Ann Hendren, a daughter of Michael Hendren. The latter had a brother, Jeremiah Hendren, a Baptist preacher, who
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founded Salem Church, near the cross-roads on Sewell's Point. He also had a sister, Ann, who married a Frenchman, Mr. Jefroy, who died young, and was survived for many years by his widow. Michael Hendren was of Irish descent. He was a sailmaker by trade, and went to New York in early manhood and car- ried on business there. He married a Miss Kelly and soon after removed to Virginia, where, in 1833, he bought a tract of 96 acres in Norfolk County, from Samuel Smith, in consideration of $1,200. This tract was situ- ated where the Indian Pole Bridge now is; in fact, Mr. Hendren sold the right of way for the road and bridge through his farm. The In- dian Pole Bridge was built in 1843, and a Mr. Talbot was its keeper for a period of 14 years, until his death. Mr. Hendren's first wife, Sarah, died September 9, 1840, at the age of 31 years. He was again married. and his second wife, Sarah Frances, died Septem- ber 17, 1868, at the age of 66 years. Michael Hendren survived until June 16, 1871, when he died, at the age of 74 years. Eight chil- dren were born to Captain and Mrs. Cruser. five of whom are now living, as follows: Cor- nelius Michael, the subject of this biography; William Samuel; James Henry, a record of whose life appears elsewhere in this volume; Lola Ann ( Bunting ) ; and Hansford Thornton.
William Samuel Cruser, the second son of Captain Cruser, was married in 1878, to Mary Virginia Simpson, of Norfolk, and to them were born six children, four of whom are now living, namely : Maude Lillian, who was mar- ried in 1898, to William Loughran, of Nor -. folk; Mabel Lee; William Cecil: and Leroy Simpson.
Lola Ann Cruser was married March 2, 1886, to Robert L. Bunting. and of two daugh- ters born to them, one. Gladys, is now living.
Hansford Thornton Cruser was first mar- ried, in 1870. to Josie W. Ironmonger, who died in 1888, leaving two sons, Newton and
Hansford T., Jr. In 1889 he married Nannie Bell Powers, and six children were born to them, as follows: Arthur Loyd, Viva Arvilla, Edith Estelle, Audrey, Hazel Frances, and one who died young.
Ella Augusta, a daughter of Captain Cor-, nelius C. Cruser, who died September 12, 1893, was married to George S. Bunting September II, 1880.
Captain Cornelius Crocheron Cruser, who was born on Staten Island, New York, in 1818. died in 1901, at the age of 83 years, while at the home of his son, William Samuel Cruiser. near the old homestead. His two brothers, Washington and James Cruser, lived in Glou- cester County, Virginia; for political offenses during the Confederate War they were im- prisoned for some time in Castle Thunder, a Southern prison at Richmond.
The three oldest sons of Captain Cruser continued in the oyster business many years. and now have some interest in the business. .
Cornelius Michael Cruser started life un- der favorable circumstances, having a small capital and business, but was possibly too eager for quick riches. Embarking in a large business he bought a 70-ton schooner, but fate seemed to be against him. He was soon ship- wrecked and lost all he had. With willing hands and a cheery heart he made a new start. but was again overtaken by the loss of his ves- sel. He then engaged in mercantile pursuits, in which his industry and persevering efforts were crowned with success. He was married in Baltimore, Maryland, to Mary Eliza Dun- can, who is of Scotch descent, and two sons were born to them, namely: Clarence Milton, born September 30. 1867: and George Levi, born December 28. 1860, who is deceased. Clarence Milton Cruser was married, in 1895. to Emma U. Thomas, and they have had five children, as follows: Milton Hendren: Cor- nelius Clyde: Preston Delmar: and two who are deceased.
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H. CUTCHIN, who is clerk in the commandant's office in the Norfolk Navy Yard, was born at Ports- mouth in 1860, and is a son of Cap- tain Nathaniel Y. Cutchin.
Capt. Nathaniel Y. Cutchin was born in Isle of Wight County, Virginia, and was a seafaring man until his retirement, having met with many exciting adventures during the war. Two of liis vessels were run ashore and set on fire to avoid capture, the crews escaping in : small boats. He was twice made prisoner and . was in command of the side-wheel steamer "West Point," when she ran the fire of the blockading fleet at the mouth of the James River. Captain Cutchin delivered her safely to the proper authorities at Richmond. Vir- ginia, where she was badly needed as a floating hospital for sick and wounded soldiers. The "West Point" was the last steamer to leave Norfolk flying the Confederate flag. Mr. Cutchin served in the City Council of Ports- mouth for two terms, and was a member of the School Board at the time of his death, which occurred March 11, 1894, at the age of 72 years. He married Virginia Crocker, a native of Brooklyn, New York, and a daughter of Edward Crocker. Her father was a boat- swain of the old navy and spent his last years in Portsmouth, dying at his home on South street. Virginia (Crocker) Cutchin passed away March 9. 1895, at the age of 62 years. Capt. Nathaniel Y. Cutchin and his wife reared six children, namely: N. E., who is chief en- gineer in the revenue cutter service and is sta- tioned at New Bedford, Massachusetts ; Hattie B., wife of Davis C. Bain of Portsmouth ; W. H., the subject of this sketch; John; Aurelia, of Portsmouth : and Agnes.
N. E. Cutchin, the oldest brother of the subject hereof, was born in 1857, and was among the first to be enrolled as a pupil in the public schools of Portsmouth, Virginia, at that disparagingly spoken of as "free schools," through a popular prejudice that yielded only to time. Many of the young men of Ports-
mouth were among the first scholars of the pub- lic schools in the old academy building. on Glasgow, near Middle street. In 1879, he grad- uated from the Nautical and Engineering Col- lege of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was commissioned a second assistant engineer in the United States Revenue Cutter Service, in 1883. 'He was promoted to be ist assistant engineer in 1895, and in 1898 attained the rank of chief engineer. He served on vessels of the revenue cutter service in the Gulf of Mexico, and along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts, and was at times stationed in the Co- lumbia River and Puget Sound. During 1887, 1888 and 1889, he was one of the officers at- tached to the revenue cutter "Bear" (made famous as one of the vessels of the Greely Relief Expedition in 1884, under Commander, now Rear-Admiral, W. S. Schley), cruising in the North Pacific, Behring Sea and Arctic Ocean, and in 1887 took an active part in the rescue, on the coast of Russian Siberia. of James Vincent, the only survivor of 18 men who were part of the crew of the ill-fated American whaling bark "Napoleon," which was crushed in the ice in May. 1885. On the return to San Francisco, from the cruise of 1888, the "Bear" brought back to civilization 160 shipwrecked men, picked up on the barren strip of land known as Point Barren, Arctic Ocean, the northernmost point of land on our continent. Their vessels had been caught in the ice and abandoned. The annual cruise of the "Bear" to the "Land of the Midnight Sun." among a strange people and in a strange land, is often exciting as well as interesting. In May, 1900, Mr. Cutchin was one of the five officers of the "Hudson" to receive medals awarded by joint resolutions of Congress, for "intrepid and heroic gallantry" in the action at Cardenas, May 11, 1898.
WV. H. Cutchin was one of the first scholars of W. H. Stoke's school. He studied naviga- tion and sailed with his father for ur years. He returned to his home in Portsmouth in 1882, and purchased a farm on the outskirts
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of the city. He became quite active in politics tics, and was elected magistrate of Western Branch district. After serving in that office for two terms, he was defeated by the candidate on the fusion ticket. In 1893. he was ap- pointed to his present position as clerk in the commandant's office at the Norfolk Navy Yard. He is a trusted employe, and is highly esteemed by all for his splendid ability and faithfulness in the discharge of duty.
Mr. Cutchin married Laura F. Linn, who was born in Portsmouth. Virginia, and is a daughter of Charles B. Linn, who was a mer- chant of Portsmouth city for a number of years. Three children were born to this union. namely : Grace, John and Marion. They live on Prentis avenue, in Prentis Place. In politics, the subject of this sketch is a stanch Democrat. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum. and was at one time counsellor for the Senior Order of United American Mechanics. He is now a member of the annexation committee of Nor- folk County.
S. RUDD, who has been a promi- nent resident of Berkley. Norfolk County. Virginia, for many years. is serving in an official capacity as sergeant of the town, his head- quarters being in the Town Hall at the corner of Berkley avenue and Main street. He was born at Hampton, Virginia. June 19. 1844, and is a son of Edmund and Ann ( Stanworth) Rudd, both natives of Virginia.
Edmund Rudd was a Virginian pilot and followed that vocation during nearly his entire active life. During the war between the States he was for the most part in the Confederate service and was engaged in piloting vessels up the James River after the blockade was or- dered. He retired soon after the war. He was part owner of the pilot-boat "Hope." which was sunk in the James River by order of the Confederate government. to help blockade the river. Mr. Rudd died at the age of 79 years.
He was an old-time Whig and a strong sup- porter of the Confederacy. He and his wife were active in church work. His wife died in 1848, having given birth to four children, namely: Thomas, who lost his left leg in the Confederate service, and is now in the Soldiers Home at Richmond; Mary E., wife of Ham- met Sharpe. of Richmond, Virginia, born in 1840. and deceased in 1861; Edmund. who served four years in the Confederate army, and is now following the trade of a boiler-maker at Berkley: and W. S., the subject of this sketch.
WV. S. Rudd attended the public schools of Hampton. Virginia, and after his school days lived with his sister in Richmond. He came to Portsmouth with his father's family. and learned the trade of a baker, with James Reed of Norfolk, Virginia. He subsequently moved back to Hampton. and later, when Norfolk and Portsmouth were evacuated by the Confeder- ates, he was in the Union lines, working at his trade. While traversing his daily route on a bread wagon, he distributed most of the inder- ground mail received through the lines for rela- tives of the Confederate soldiers, thus render- ing an invaluable service to the cause. He did not see his own relatives again until after Gen- eral Lee's surrender. He was married. in 1866. and was then engaged in the bakery business in Norfolk. on Church street. near Charlotte street. for seven years. In 1879 he removed his business to Berkley, where he conducted his bakery until 1890. In the meantime. he served seven years as special police officer under the appointment of the judge of the Norfolk County Court. In 1890 he was elected town sergeant, upon the incorporation of Berkley as a town and served two years. after which he again conducted his bakery. He is now serv- ing his fourth year, in a second term. as town sergeant, an office which he has filled in a most creditable manner.
Mr. Rudd was united in marriage with Sarah Virginia Petit, a native of Norfolk, and a daughter of John and Susan Petit. deceased.
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DENNIS ETHERIDGE.
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They became the parents of eight children, of whom the following are now living: Charles E., a machinist in the Norfolk Navy Yard. who married Ella Howard of Berkley: W. S .. Jr., who is clerking for the N. Y., P. & N. R. R. ; Walter S., who is an ordnance man: and F. M., who is an undertaker and embalmer. Mrs. Rudd is a member of the Baptist church. Fra- ternally, Mr. Rudd is past exalted ruler of the Elks.
D ENNIS ETHERIDGE, whose por- trait is herewith shown, is president and general manager of the Mer- chants' and Farmers' Peanut Com- pany, which operates one of the largest peanut industries in the United States. From 85.000 to 100.000 bags of peanuts per year are cleaned. separated and graded, and employment is given to about 75 men and women. The company was established in Oc- tober. 1886, with Mr. Etheridge as president and general manager, and M. L. T. Davis, as secretary.
Dennis Etheridge was born in North Caro- lina August 24, 1842, and is a son of Isaiah Etheridge. His opportunities for an educa- tion were very meager. He moved to Norfolk in 1872 and engaged in the commission busi- ness as a member of the firm of Etheridge, Fulgham & Company. He continued with that firm a number of years and then embarked in the peanut trade, and is now one of the best- known men identified with that business. Mr. Etheridge is a busy man but has found time to serve in the Council of Norfolk one term, al- though it was at the sacrifice of his business interests.
He bears an honorable record for service in the Confederate Army during the Intersec- tional War. He enlisted in the 6ust Regiment. Virginia Infantry, and upon the reorganization of the Confederate Army joined Company F. 15th Regiment, Virginia Cavalry, of which
John F. Cooper was captain. He participated in the battle of Gettysburg, Brandy Station, the Wilderness, Culpepper Court House, and others. He was captured at Luray and con- fined in prison for 141/2 months.
Dennis Etheridge was joined in marriage with Louisa J. Cox. of North Carolina. in Feb- ruary,- 1866. and they have six children, name- ly: Mrs. Sally Jackson: Mrs. Lillie Wombic: Elizabeth: W. E .: Lulu: and Myron. Fra- lernally Mr. Etheridge is a member of Ruth Lodge. A. F. & A. M., No. 89: and Pickett- Buchanan Camp Confederate Veterans. of Norfolk.
ONSDALE J. ROPER, the well-known cashier of the John L. Roper Lumber Company's plant at Gilmerton, Nor- folk County, Virginia, has been an im- portant factor in the progress and wealth of that prominent concern. He was born . March 4. 1830, and is a son of William B. and Hannah ( Lithgow) Roper. his native city being Philadelphia. Pennsylvania.
William B. Roper was born in England, but when still a young man determined to cross the ocean, and therefore came to America and located in Philadelphia, where he followed a successful trade as a marble-cutter. There he met Hannah Lithgow. a native of Philadelphia. who became his worthy helpmeet.
Lonsdale J. Roper attended the schools of his native city. and was a pupil in the Central High School there. He chose for his life work the trade of a wheelwright and coach-maker. and learned all the different branches of the trade while residing in Philadelphia. In 1860. he removed to Norfolk County, and chose Deep Creek for a location. the Baird & Roper lumber mills being located at that place. of which he was the efficient superintendent of the same until they were destroyed by fire. Then their location was changed to Gilmerton. where the Ichn L. Roner Lumber Company was formed. Some time later he resigned his du-
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ties as superintendent, to become cashier. He found the work of superintendent too heavy for one of his years, so, after serving the company faithfully for 20 years in that position, he as- sumed the lighter duties of cashier, his pres- ent occupation.
In June, 1853, while living in his native city, he was united in matrimony with Caro- · line M. Lake, who was born in Philadelphia, in January, 1830. He and his worthy wife reared a number of children, whose names are as follows: William D .: Alice L .; Joseph S .; Charles B. ; David L. ; and Thomas D. David L. departed this life November 6, 1901. Alice is the wife of J. D. Carey .. In their religious life, the family are identified with the Baptist Church, of Gilmerton.
Mr. Roper affiliates with the . A. F. & A. M. ; I. O. O. F. ; and K. of P. He has had an ac- tive, industrious career, one that would justify him in retiring and taking life easier, but his interest in the busy world is so keen, that he prefers to stay at his post and continue to do his best. He is highly honored and esteemed, and his influence is great among his fellow citizens. .
OSEPH J. RIDDICK, who is engaged in business at Great Bridge, Norfolk County, Virginia, was born in Gates County, North Carolina. March 6, 1850. He is a son of John and Mar- garet (Louis) Riddick, who were both natives of that county. John Riddick was a farmer by occupation, and was clerk in the court of his county, being an ardent Democrat in poli- tics. He married Margaret Louis, and they reared II children. Those living are: Maggie L .; Fanny : R. M .; and Joseph J., the subject of this sketchi.
Joseph J. Riddick was reared in North Carolina, and has been engaged in mercantile pursuits since first entering upon a business career. In 1884 he settled in Great Bridge, where he engaged in business in the store of
George A. Wilson, afterward launching a business of his own. He carries a good stock, and supplies the various wants and needs of the residents of Great Bridge, and its vicinity. He possesses good business ability, and is fair and honest in his dealings.
In 1880, Mr. Riddick married Florence V. Wilson, a daughter of the late George A. Wil- son, of Norfolk County. She was born at Great Bridge in 1855, and died in 1886. One child, Cecil. was born to this union. Mr. Rid- dick is a Democrat in politics, but does not aspire to office. He is a member of the Meth- odist Episcopal Church.
JAMES HENRY CRUSER, who has been engaged in the oyster business for many years, has a fine home at Cruser Place, Norfolk County, Vir- ginia, where his family have been 10- cated for about a half a century.
The Cruser family is one of prominence in the county. and was first established in America in 1790, when some of his ancestors came from Germany and located on Staten Isl- and. The family name was spelled Krutzer until changed to Cruser by Capt. Cornelius. Cruser, about 1833. Captain Cruser removed from his home on Staten Island to Gloucester County, Virginia, being accompanied by his family. He was one of the pioneers in the. oyster business, and shipped to New York City and other Northern markets. He had four children, as follows: Washington C .. Cor- nelius Crocheron ; James Henry ; and a daugh- ter, who was drowned in the York River by the capsizing of a boat.
Captain Cornelius Crocheron Cruser was born in 1818, on Staten Island, and like his father engaged at the oyster industry. In 1853. be moved from Gloucester County to Tanner's Creek, Norfolk County, where he purchased four acres, of land from his father-in-law, Michael Hendron, and built the old homestead
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which has since stood, having brought the frame of the house from Staten Island, and also the pressed brick for its foundation. In addition to the oyster business, ke engaged in trucking, and shipped vegetables to Northern markets. During the Intersectional War, he was a Northern sympathizer, but did not par- ticipate in the struggle. During that period the oyster industry was at a standstill, owing to the closing of Northern markets to ship- ments, and the Captain lost all the wealth he had accumulated. His oysters had a growth of four years, and were of such size as to com- mand a high price when the markets were again opened. He died in 1901, at the advanced age of 83 years. '
Capt. Cornelius C. Cruser was married. in 1845. to Margaret Ann Hendron, a daughter of Michael Hendron, who was prominent among the early residents of Tanner's Creek. Eight children blessed this union, of whom the following grew to maturity: Cornelius Mich- ael, whose sketch appears elsewhere in this work; William Samuel; James Henry; Lola Ann, wife of Robert L. Bunting: Hansford Thornton; and Ella Augusta (Bunting), who died in 1893.
James Henry Cruser was united in mar- riage, January 9. 1885, to Emma Etta Parker, a daughter of Benjamin and Anna Parker, both of whom came from England, where they were born, reared and married. Mr. Parker became a citizen of this country, and during the war with the South enlisted in the Union Army, and gave his life in the interest of that cause. His widow married Thomas Reynolds, and is now living. James Henry Cruser and his wife became parents of the following chil- dren : Olive B., born April 15. 1885: Amber E., born July 17, 1887: Melvin, born July 28, 1889; Lawrence C .: born December 12, 1800:| Gilbert M., born January 18, 1892: James O., born March 18, 1893, and deceased October 7. 1895: Myrtle. born November 28. : 805 ; James R., born April 22, 1897: Coral C., born Feb- ruary 20, 1900, and deceased July 10, 190 !;
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and Violet, born September 3, 1901. Mr. Cruser built at Cruser Place a very fine home of II rooms, which is arranged and equipped with modern conveniences. He takes a deep interest in the prosperity and progress of his town and community, and stands high among his fellow men.
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OBERT ARMISTEAD STEWART, M. A., PH. D., the only child born to. Col. William H. and Annie Wright (Stubbs) Stewart, was born in Ports- mouth, Virginia, March 9, 1877.
Robert A. Stewart's primary education was conducted in Portsmouth, first in the primary school and later in the Portsmouth Academy, and Portsmouth English and Classical School. Afterward, he attended Col. Hillary P. Jones' School, in Norfolk. He matriculated in the academic department of the University of Vir- ginia in September. 1894, and took the degrees of Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts, June 15. 1898. He was for two years assistant to Maj. Horace Jones, principal of the University High School at Charlottesville, while pursuing his course at the University. For the session of 1899-1900, he was called to fill the chair of French and German at Wofford College. Spartansburg, South Carolina, in place of the regular professor, who was on leave in Europe. Upon leaving that institution, Dr. J. H. Car- lisle, president of Wofford College, wrote as follows : "He leaves a good record here, and carries with him the respect, confidence and good wishes of professors and students." Mr. Stewart returned to the University of Vir- ginia for the session of 1900-1901 for post- graduate study, and received the degree of Ph. D., June 12, 1901, being the youngest man to whom the honor was ever awarded by that institution. During the same session he was assistant in Teutonic languages, and associate editor, with Dr. James A. Harrison, on the 16-volume edition of Edgar Allen Poe's works.
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