USA > Virginia > City of Norfolk > City of Norfolk > History of Norfolk County, Virginia and representative citizens, V.2 > Part 16
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50
personal courier for General E. P. Alexander, Chief of Artillery. Ist Corps, Army of North- ern Virginia. He served under that officer, and surrendered with him at Appomattox Court House, April 9, 1865. The war ended, Mr. Sharp went to North Carolina and en- gaged in farming, at which he continued until 1880. He then left his farm to accept the office of secretary and treasurer of the Carolina Cen- tral Railroad at Wilmington, North Carolina, which road had just been acquired by John M. Robinson, of the Seaboard System. In 1893. Mr. Sharp was chosen treasurer of what was then called the Seaboard System of Roads, when headquarters were moved to Portsmouth. Virginia. This was regarded as a most credit- able promotion. . He was called to succeed William W. Chamberlaine, who had been ten- dered the position under the reorganization. but declined to serve longer. In 1899, when the greater Seaboard Air Line was organized and the mileage greatly increased, Mr. Sharp was elected treasurer of that system, which re- sponsible position he has ably filled since.
December 19, 1866, Mr. Sharp was united in marriage, at Charlotte, North Carolina, with a daughter of Dr. Cyrus L. Hunter. the author of "Revolutionary Sketches of Western North Carolina." He was a son of Rev. Humphrey Hunter, the Revolutionary patriot, who served under "Lighthorse Harry," and who is well known in connection with the Mecklenburg Resolutions. in 1776. John Howard and Sophia ( Hunter) Sharp became the parents of six daughters and two sons, of whom Virginia married George P. Hardy, an electrical engi- neer. now of New York City: William L. is farming in North Carolina; Henry Talbott is connected with the staff of the New York Sun; and the other five daughters are unmarried and reside with their parents at Swimming Point. Portsmouth. Virginia. Their names are .--- Claudia Willoughby; Katharine Lyman : Nan- cy Forney; Florence Southall; and Frances Stedman.
:
AL 32-2
672
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
D R. H. S. ETHERIDGE, a medical . enport ) Ferebee, the widow of Col. Dennis D. practitioner of Wallaceton, Norfolk County, Virginia, is a gentleman whose trained abilities have brought him into public notice, and won for him the regard, esteem and respect justly due to a man of his influence and usefulness in the community. The work of a physician, from its very nature, is of the kind that brings him into closest relationship with the people. The manner in which he carries the heavy responsi- bilities of his vocation is ever to the public a matter of most vital importance. That Dr. Etheridge knows fully the ethics of his profes- sion, as well as its requirements, and every day of his life lives up to them, admits of no dis- cussion. His high standing everywhere proves his fidelity to his patients' interests, and his success proves his talents.
Dr. Etheridge was born in North Carolina, in 1839, and is a son of Mathias and Amy (Dudley ) Etheridge. Mathias Etheridge was also born in North Carolina, and followed the calling of a Baptist minister throughout his life. He was united in marriage with Amy Dudley, a native of Princess Anne County, Vir- ginia ; of the family reared by them, but three brothers survive, namely: H. S .; O. M., a resident of Berkley; and J. B., of Princess Anne County, Virginia.
The subject of this sketch having secured all the learning possible from attending com- mon schools, entered the Medical Institute, at Cincinnati, Ohio, and graduated with honor from that institution in 1861. He chose Nor- folk County as his field of operations, and has done excellent work here ever since.
Dr. Etheridge has been twice married, Sar- ah C. Stuart became his wife by the first mar- riage. She was a native of Norfolk County, and they reared an only child, Amy C., who married Dr. John L. Lister. a well-known physician and surgeon of Camden County. North Carolina. In 1808, death deprived him of his companion, and after some time. in 1900, -
Ferebee, who rendered gallant service in the Confederate Army. The ceremony was per- formed November 28. By her former marriage she had one child, Margaret E .. who married Dr. McMurran, a physician of Portsmouth, Virginia. In religious faith the family are identified with the Methodist Episcopal and Protestant Episcopal Churches. Dr. Etheridge is a member of the Norfolk Medical Society, and likewise of the Seaboard Medical Society of North Carolina. He is a Democrat in politics. 1
1 OHN M. JOHNSON. The business of general merchandising in a commitnity like Deep Creek. Norfolk County. Vir- ginia, is always a feature of consider- able importance. The man who has the faculty to carry this on successfully be- comes an important factor in the growth and general prosperity of the place. Mr. Johnson, the gentleman whose name heads this biog- raphy, has been such a merchant, and has dealt in all the articles required by the household, from provisions to clothing.
Mr. Johnson is a son of John T. and Vir- ginia (Moore) Johnson, natives of Norfolk' County, and was born at Deep Creek, January 27, 1857. John T. Johnson spent his entire life in agricultural pursuits, and owned an So-acre farm at the time of his death. in 1889. He chose for his wife Virginia Moore, and they had seven children, namely: William S. : Alice M. : Ella: John M .; Robert ; Molly; and Thomas.
John M. Johnson attained his early mental training in the public schools of Deep Creek, and the Poughkeepsie Business College, and helped his father on the farm until he was IG years of age. He decided at that time to em- bark in mercantile life, and accordingly, in 1876. established his present business at Deep Creek. During the quarter of a century since he was united in marriage with Mary E. ( Dav- . elapsed, he has conducted the business with the
:
.
-
-
LEWIS C. JONES.
675
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.
best of results, proving his good judgment and foresight as well as his ability in that line.
In 1898, Mr. Johnson was united in matri- mony with Ella Brooke, who was a native of Petersburg. They have one child, Clarence, ---- the light of the home. The family are mem- bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.
In politics Mr. Johnson accepts the doc- trines of the Republican party. In fraternal circles, he is a Mason of some prominence. He is well thought of in his community, and is highly esteemed by his friends.
EWIS C. JONES, whose entire life has been devoted to the industry of build- ing and repairing ships, maintains a large shipyard at the foot of Main street in Berkley. The yard covers an area of two acres, and a very important feature is a marine railway of three sections, with trac- tion power sufficient to draw up vessels of 200 tons' register. It is one of the most im- portant concerns of the kind in this section, and gives employment to a large force of men. Mr. Jones was born in Smithfield. Virginia, and is a son of Nathan and Cassandra B. (Jordan) Jones. Nathan Jones was a capitalist, having been left a fortune by his father. The subject of this sketch is one of 12 children, of whom two sons and three daughters are now living. He is the youngest of six brothers.
Mr. Jones attended the schools of his na- tive town, and first entered business life as a clerk, receiving a salary of $3 per week. He then learned the trade of a ship-carpenter with Mr. Hope, and after working a period of 18 months became boss of the yard. He then en- tered the employ of the Baker Wrecking Com- pany, where he continued for 12 years. He learned every detail of his business thoroughily. and his work was of a very high character. In association with others, he next bought C. J. Colonna's marine railway. Later the prop- erty changed hands and the business was con-
ducted under the firm name of L. C. Jones & Company. The entire concern was subse- quently acquired by Mr. Jones, and he has con- ducted it in a highly successful manner for more than 20 years. During the summer and fall the yard presents a picturesque and stirr- ing spectacle, from 25 to 40 skilled mechanics being employed at repair work. During the winter a large force is employed in building tugs, barges, schooners and other vessels. Many of the craft built here are familiar along this section of the Atlantic Coast, prominent among them being the tugs "Marietta." "Mol- lie," "Marie Joseph" and "Dauntless." and the schooner "M. J. Lee." Mr. Jones' thorough familiarity with the industry has resulted in a number of trips to Washington. D. C., and Richmond to present the needs of the port for national and State aid. and it is needless to say that the interests of this community could not have been more ably represented. Mr. Jones has been a member of the Town Council of Berkley, and served on various important com- mittees. He has ever had the welfare of the community and county at heart, and is one of the foremost in the belief that the greatest ul- imate good will be accomplished by the con- solidation of Portsmouth, Norfolk and Berkley into a single corporation. and it is thought but few years will elapse before this idea will be carried out.
Mr. Jones was united in marriage with Sarah A. Bott, a native of Amelia County, Vir- ginia. and a daughter of Sidney S. Bott. of Chesterfield County, Virginia. They are the parents of five children, as follows: Nathan; L. C .. , Jr. : Alice C. : Frank M. ; and Raymond B. Mr. Jones is a charter member of the Be- nevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge and also a charter member of Robert E. Lce Lodge, K. of P., and has passed through all the chairs. He has one of the most attractive homes in the town, and in the summer. when the foliage is verdant and flowers are in bioon !. the place is one of striking beauty. The long and deep verandas, which extend along the
676
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
front and side of the house, constitute a very pleasing feature and add greatly to its attrac- tive appearance. A portrait of Mr. Jones ac- companies this sketch, being presented on a pre- ceding page.
ILLIAM S. JOHNSON, a well- known merchant of Gilmerton, Norfolk County, Virginia, is also of some prominence as a real-estate dealer, and occupies a conspicuous place in the social and political affairs of his community.
Mr. Johnson is a son of John and Virginia (Moore) Johnson, and was born December 21, 1847. on his father's farm near Gilmerton. John Johnson claims Norfolk County as his native place, but he was reared in St. Louis. Missouri. There he spent the first 35 years of his life, and finally returned to Norfolk. County and located on a farmi near Gilmerto11, where he was very successful in farming. He married Miss Moore, a daughter of John Moore, and they had a number of children.
William S. Johnson went to school in his boyhood days at Deep Creek, until he had attained the age of 15 years, resided on the farm, assisting his father in whatever way he could. A position as clerk in Mr. Stout's store was then offered him, which he accepted. and kept for some time. He subsequently found employment in the Roper lumber mills, as clerk, and remained there until 1876. In 1883, he embarked in mercantile business for himself at Gilmerton, and so successful has he been that he has continued in the same line ever since.
In 1896, Mr. Johnson was united in mar- riage with Flora Davis, who was born in Isle of Wight County, Virginia. They have reared two children,-Esther A. and William G. They are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South.
Mr. Johnson owns several houses, and has also an interest in a tract of land in Norfolk County, consisting of about 280 acres in all. be-
sides this. he owns and rents a fine, large farm. In his political action, he does his part to ad- vance the interests of the Republican party in his district, and has served as supervisor for 16 years, giving satisfaction to all.
Mr. Johnson is a member of the Masonic order, and also of the K. of P. organization. He is industrious and energetic as a business man, and as a citizen is highly respected and honored for his ability and worth. His store is a model of neatness and order, showing his taste throughout, and he has the patronage of the best class of people in his vicinity.
E. HALL, a leading merchant and enterprising citizen of Great Bridge, Norfolk County, Virginia, where he has been a merchant since 1899, also owns the sawmill at that place, having 'established that business in IS9 ;. Mr. Hall is a son of Wesley and Frances ( Land ) Hall, and grandson of James Hall. the father and grand- father having been born at Great Bridge. J. E. Hall's birth occurred January 14. 1864, at the same place, and he has been a resident of Great Bridge for many years.
Wesley Ilall first saw the light of day in 1817, and during his active life followed the occupation of a carpenter and ship-builder. During the War of the Rebellion he was em- ployed in the United States Navy Yard, at Portsmouth. His marriage with Frances Land, a native of Princess Anne County, Vir- ginia, was blessed with eight children, namely : Willis: Robert A .; Susan; M. W .: Frank: J. E .; Mary F .: and M. Land. Willis, Robert A. and Frank are deceased. Susan married M. W. Hodges. Mary F. was united in mar- riage with a Mr. Striker, of Williamsport. Pennsylvania.
Mr. Hall obtained what education was pos- sible from the schools at Bell's Mills, and worked in a sawmill for some time. He final- ly went into that business at Great Bridge. and
مے
:
-
S. T. DICKINSON, JR.
.679
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.
then engaged in mercantile pursuits. He is practice in that vicinity. He is a graduate of Jefferson Medical College and for the past 40 years has been actively engaged in his chosen calling. He has frequently been offered a pro- fessorship in various colleges, but prefers the more useful and beneficial life of a general practitioner. He has served as coroner and has polite and accommodating, and his trade is rapidly increasing by reason of the fact that he employs only fair, straightforward methods in all his affairs. He chose for his wife Bettie Curling, a daughter of Bartlett Curling, a mem- ber of Col. William H. Stewart's regiment, who fought gallantly in the war between the i held many autopsies. During the war lie States. Mrs. Hall was born near Hickory Ground and has proved a worthy helpmeet for her husband. They have one child. Frank N., born January 4, 1890, who occupies quite an important place in the domestic circle.
In political opinions, Mr. Hall is a decided : Democrat, and helps much to advance his party's interests. He and his wife are devoted! members of the Berea Christian Church, and' are active in all its good work.
T. DICKINSON, JR., cf the prosper- ous and enterprising business firin of S. T. Dickinson & Company, provi- sion brokers, located at No. 170 Water street, Norfolk, Virginia, is a man of recognized ability, and has done much to build up and increase the business with which he has been connected since 1897. The pres- ent company, at that time, succeeded C. E. Verdier & Company, and from the start suc- cess has crowned their efforts. Under the capa- ble management of Mr. Dickinson. the busi- ness has increased largely, the volume during the present year being more than five times that of their first year's business. Everything in the modern grocery line is handled by this house. which conducts strictly a wholesale trade.
S. T. Dickinson, Jr., is a native of Caroline County, Virginia, and is a son of Dr. S. T. and Bettie Ann ( Chandler) Dickinson, who were born and reared in the same county. Dr. S. T. Dickinson is widely known all over the State of Virginia, and is considered one of the leading physicians and surgeons of his State.' He resides at Milford and has an enormous
served four years as surgeon, chiefly engaged in hospital work. Dr. Dickinson is a worthy scion of one of the oldest and most favorably known families in the State. He and his wife are devout and active members of the Baptist Church, to which they contribute largely. The Doctor now fills the office of deacon. which he has held for a number of years. His practice extends not only throughout the county in which he is a resident, but also into adjoining counties. He and his worthy wife have reared three sons. the eldest being the subject of this review. The others are Charles R. and R. D. The former resides in Chicago, Illinois, being employed in the offices of the Chicago. Burling- ton & Quincy Railroad. The latter resides in New York City and is working in the superin- tendent's office of the Western Union Tele- graph Company.
S. T. Dickinson, Jr., had good educational advantages, and graduated from Richmond College, at Richmond, Virginia. in the class of . ; 1888. After leaving school he spent six years in railroad work, being employed first on the Pennsylvania Railroad, and later on the Louis- ville & Nashville road. He severed his connec- tion with the latter in order to accept a more flattering position with the Panama Railroad Company, in South America. He served first as clerk and afterward became an officer of the company and spent four years as such, during which he had many thrilling experiences in that strange country.
As an officer of the road he came in classe contact with the government officials of that country, especially during the periods of revo- lutionary outbreaks. when the revolutionists attempted to overthrow the government. He
680
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
was frequently called upon at such times to take the Governor and his staff across the isth- mus, from Panama to Colon or vice versa, as the occasion demanded. It was also the duty of the railroad company to transport large bodies of men in the same manner.
In 1884 a fire broke out in the city of Pan- ama. In a short time it was beyond control and was raging from the wharf four blocks deep. Mr. Dickinson was quartered in a dis- tant part of the city and after reviewing the situation reported to the Governor that the only chance he saw to save the city was to go a block or two ahead of the fire and blow up sections of several blocks with dynamite. The Gov- ernor soon saw the policy of the proposition and gave permission to Mr. Dickinson to put the plan into execution. This he pledged him- self to do with the help of 12 selected men.
The men were furnished him and they set about the task, having the support of the lead- ing people. But the police were not in sym- pathy with the movement, and either could not or would not give their support by keeping the people back out of danger and the plan had to be abandoned. The consequence was that the fire continued to rage and cut its way through the entire city, destroying 55 blocks. Much of tlie property destroyed might have been saved. This was acknowledged by the populace when it was too late.
. .
.
Much has been said about the unhealthy cli- mate of Panama, but it is the opinion of Mr. Dickinson that much sickness, and in fact near- ly all the epidemics of that climate. are brought on by neglecting the laws of hygiene. He he- lieves that if the people will observe the laws of health, keep regular hours and not expose themselves to night dews, health in that local- ity can be preserved as well as in any other. While there, he was also engaged in the ex- change business, buying and selling gold, silver and drafts. Finally he returned home in 1897, and embarked at once in the business which has engaged his attention ever since.
Mr. Dickinson is also a director in the Nor-
folk Freight & Transportation Bureau, and takes an active part in the proceedings of that body. October 5, 1897, he was joined in mar- riage with Ruth Owens, a daughter of B. H. and Missouri Owens. Her father was form- erly a very prominent business man of Ports- mouth, but is now retired. Both of her par- ents are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. South. Mr. Dickinson is a member of Freemason Street Baptist Church, and is now filling the double position of deacon and treas- urer, and in addition to his very evident inter- est in the church, he has a large class of young men in the Sunday-school of that denomina- tion. He spends much of his time and effort in religious work, being especially interested in Sunday-school work. Fraternally he is a Master Mason, a Modern Puritan and also a member of the Uniform Rank of the Knights of Pythias. He is looked upon as a model citi- zen, and as such is a source of pride to the good citizens of Norfolk. His portrait accom- panies this sketch.
OBERT W. MACDONALD. proprie- tor of five restaurants in the city of Norfolk, was the first to establish a dairy lunch business in the city. He is a gentleman of recognized ability. is ambitious and energetic, and the success at- tending his efforts is well merited.
Mr. MacDonald was born in Canada in 1873. and when 15 years of age went to Bos- ton, Massachusetts, where he became identified with the restaurant and hotel business. He next went to Baltimore and followed the same line of business, and in 1894 came to Norfolk, Virginia. He established the pioneer dairy lunch business of the city at No. 99 Main street,-now No. 231 Main street. His busi- ness grew with remarkable rapidity and prompted him in establishing four other stands in the city. He now conducts establishments at Nos. 231, 365 and 289 Main street; 108
681
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.
Commercial Place; and 99 Roanoke avenue; and in the spring of 1902 will occupy the new building on Atlantic street. opposite the new Post Office. He is a member of the Board of Trade and Business Men's Association in Nor- folk, and of the Norfolk Refrigerating & Cold Storage Company. He is principal owner of the Crystal Ice Cream Company, the capacity of which was 200 gallons per day in 1901. It will be increased to a capacity of 1,000 gal- lons per day in 1902.
In 1895 Mr. MacDonald . was united in marriage with Sadie Clark, who was born in Canada and is a daughter of J. B. Clark, of Cleveland, Ohio. They were married in West Somerville, Massachusetts, and have one son. Atwood Laing, who was born in 1896. Mrs. MacDonald is a member of the Baptist Church. The subject of this sketch is a member of the Royal Arcanum; Knights of the Maccabees ; Modern Puritans; and the Seaside Club of Ocean View.
m RS. IDA (JOHNSON) GORDAN, an estimable resident of Norfolk. Norfolk County, Virginia, was born in Nashville. Tennessee, Oc- tober 5, 1847, and is a daughter of John Bellenfant and Eliza ( Baird ) Johnson. She is one of the eight children born to her parents, namely : Mary P., widow of Charles P. Maguire, living at Nashville, Tennessee : Fannie B., wife of James W. Leigh of Nor- folk, Virginia: John B., who died in the Con- federate Army; Ellen, who died in her youth : Alexander D., who died in infancy: Ida. the subject of this sketch; Anna, who died at the age of six years : and Alexander, who died in infancy. Mrs. Gordan's father and brother were in the Confederate Army, and their prop- erty was all confiscated. The Federal Army took possession of their home, but General Thomas kindly permitted them to occupy two or three rooms. The property was put up for
sale, and a good price was paid for it by one of the daughters. Mrs. Gordan was between the lines of the contending armies throughout the war.
Ida Johnson was married to George W. Gordan in 1875. He was born in Norfolk in 1842, and was a son of John D. and Susan (Stratton) Gordan. His father was a banker and established the banking concern of John D. Gordan & Company. He and his wife were the parents of nine children, as follows : Sarah, deceased ;. Mary Ann, of Norfolk. widow of Robert Timberlake, a banker; John D .. de- ceased, who was engaged in the banking busi- ness ; Susan B .. widow of Victor Nottingham. a capitalist; Virginia, who lives at the old home, which was built during Revolutionary times; Joseph P., deceased, who was a banker ; Cornelia, deceased ; George W., husband of the subject hereof: and Henry C., deceased, who was also a banker.
George W. Gordan enlisted for service in the Confederate Army when a boy, and served until the end of the war. He was at first in the Young's Harbor Guard, Artillery, and afterward in the Norfolk Light Artillery Blues. After the war he was a lieutenant in the Blues, of which his brother Joseph was also a member during the war. After the close of the war he went into the private bank of John D. Gordan, which was in operation for a period of 65 years. He subsequently engaged in the real-estate business in con- nection with Leigh Brothers & Phelps, and continued thus until his death in 1887. He was a very successful business man and stood high in Norfolk, where he always lived. The bank- ing firm of John D. Gordan & Company ceased about six years after the death of the last member of the family.
Mr. and Mrs. Gordan became the parents of four children, as follows: Ida Johnston. who married John Sage Fiske, an importing merchant of New York City; James Leigh. who is in the citizens' Bank of Norfolk: ! John Dozier, who is with the Old Dominion
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.