USA > Virginia > City of Norfolk > City of Norfolk > History of Norfolk County, Virginia and representative citizens, V.2 > Part 17
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Guano Company; and Virginia Baird, who is attending school. Religiously, Mr. Gordan was a member of St. Paul's Protestant Epis- copal Church. Freternally he belonged to the Royal Arcanum.
m ARTIN J. RYAN, the efficient chief of the Norfolk Fire Department. was born in Ireland. November 4, 1854, and for the past 30 years has been engaged in fire-depart- ment work.
Mr. Ryan's parents came to the United States and settled in Kingston, New York. where the subject hereof was reared and schooled. Subsequently he engaged in ship carpentry, and the manufacturing of boilers. While a resident of Kingston he took a great interest in its fire department, and joined that body in 1870. He organized the Union Hore Company, No. 4. and was its first foreman. In 1876 he moved to Norfolk, and engaged in the cotton business. Shortly after having set- tled in Norfolk Mr. Ryan joined the Norfolk Fire Department. In 1888 he relinquished his cotton business to accept the position of in- spector of the Norfolk Water Works. During the year 1894 he was discharged from that position on account of not being in accord with the municipal administration. Three days later he was elected chief of the Norfolk Fire Department. having been foreman of Engine Company, No. 4. Chief Ryan has held the office of chief since his first election to that of- fice, a fact which proves his capability.
Chief Ryan's administration has been superb. The call department has been organ- ized into a full-pay department, with five steamer companies, a chemical company, and two truck companies. Two fire-engine houses · have been added. and the department has been distributed more or less. The fire-alarm sys- tem, having 45 miles of wire, has been di- vided into six circuits, and many of the wires
have been placed under ground. These are but few of the many improvements made by Mr. Ryan.
The early records of the Norfolk Fire De- partment were not kept, but since the election of Mr. Ryan a full account of the date and time of each fire has been recorded, and of the box from which the alarm was turned in. the lo -- cation, owner of property. occupant, descrip- tion and 'occupation of buildings,. value of property, insurance carried, and cause of the fire. These records can be referred to at any time. The Chief's first call to a fire brought the department to the large warehouses of Jones, Lee & Company, which had been burning some time. With quick judgment, Chief Ryan placed his men where tons of water could be thrown on the burning buildings. and they were saved. The Chief has performed many noble feats in life-saving, which called for daring nerve and quick judgment, and these feats. both in life and property-saving. have brought him the highest praise. Mr. Ryan has in his possession many letters from some of the most representative citizens of Norfolk. in testimony of his splendid conduct and management of his men during large fires.
Chief Ryan has entertained visiting .fire- men and their companies with much courtesy, and often at a considerable personal expendi- ture. The records of fires in 1899 show that out of 168 fires. in 12 months, with a property valuation of $2,531.090, and a total insurance of $1,684.200, the total damage was but S51 .- 903.30. In 1900. there were 219 fires, with a property valuation of $1.983.655, insurance. $877.350, and a total fire loss of $32.387.
In 1882 Mr. Ryan married Elizabeth Cav- anaugh. a native of Norfolk, and he has a fam- ily of seven children. He is a member of St. Mary's Roman Catholic Church. He is also a member of the International Association of Fire Engineers: the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks: the Emerald Beneficial Asso- ciation ; and the Knights of Columbus: and is president of the local branch of the Catholic
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Thomas Shannon
JAMES H. SHANNON.
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Knights of America. In politics he is a
Democrat.
The city of Norfolk has just cause to be proud of its fire department chief. He has a thorough knowledge of fighting the flames, and never, with the exception of one instance. has he allowed a fire to spread. He has been very efficient in saving property, and bids fair to hold his present position as long as his age and health permit.
AMES H. SHANNON. deceased, was for many years an honored citizen and business man of Portsmouth. Norfolk County, Virginia, and was a worthy representative of one of the oldest and most prominent families, whose history is closely interwoven with the history of this sec- tion. Mr. Shannon was joined in marriage with Martha Smith Key. Both families. the Shannons and the Keys, were noted for their fighting proclivities. and members of both dis- tinguished themselves by their courage and bravery during both the Revolutionary War for freedom, and the War of 1812.
Baron Shannon, grandfather of James H. Shannon, was a refugee from Ireland. He was prominent in the Emmett Rebellion and for safety came to America, settling on the banks of the Schuykill River in Pennsylvania. His marriage with a Miss Clementine. a French lady, resulted in the birth of four sons: Liv- ingstone. Clement. John and Henry. The two oldest sons fitted out a privateer during the War of 1812, and were granted letters of marque. At the close of that war. Livingstone - settled in New York City. and Clement settled in Philadelphia, where he engaged in the wholesale tea business, his younger brother. Henry, having previously lived in the latter city for years.
John Shannon, the father of our subject, located at Reddington, North Carolina, now known as Elizabeth City, being so named in.
honor of Elizabeth Tooley. its pioneer bene- factress and founder. This esteemed and time honored lady was the grandmother of our subject on the maternal side. She deeded to Elizabeth City the land now known as the "Water-Front," and for some distance back. Her daughter. also called Elizabeth Tooley. married the Jolin Shannon previously men- tioned. father of our subject. He was lieuten- ant in a military company from Elizabeth City in the War of 1812, and with his company was stationed at Sewell's Point, near Norfolk, Vir- ginia.
The Keys were prominent and well known in Norfolk County. They donated the land through which the Key Road extends and the lake known as Key Lake was a part of their property. John Key. the great-grandfather of Mrs. Shannon, was a lieutenant in the army and navy in the Revolutionary War, serving as ensign in the 8th Virginia Regiment of the Continental Army. His son. Jonathan Key. was born in 176; and died October 17. 1853. He married Lois Veale, a descendant of Craw- ford Veale. Their son, Jesse Key, was born August 5. 1789. and died October 12, 1815. Ile also had a taste for military life. serving as lieutenant of the Portsmouth Rifle Company in the War of 1812. Martha Smith Key was his only child.
James II. Shannon and Martha Smith Key were married November 4. 1834. and she was the first to depart this life, dying May 8, 18SI. at the age of 67 years. Mr. Shannon survived until May 12. 1897. when he died at the age of 86 years. They were the parents of 10 chil- dren, several of whom died in early life. Those who grew to maturity were: Jesse Clement : Thomas; Mary Alexina; William L .; Mon- roe Whedbee; and Henry A.
Jesse Clement Shannon, after his gradua- tion at Wake Forrest College in Northi Caro- lina, took a two years' course in the medical de- partment of the University of Pennsylvania. graduating in 1859. at the early age of 22 [ years. At the outbreak of the Confederate
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War he was located at Elizabeth City, North Carolina. He served as surgeon in the 68th North Carolina Regiment, C. S. Army, and was taken captive at the fall of Hatteras, and was incarcerated first at Fort McHenry, then at Fort Hamilton. and later at Fort Lafayette. At that time it was generally understood among the Southern States that no Confederate pris- oners would be exchanged but would be held as traitors. Upon hearing this Mrs. Shannon, his mother, wrote to President Jefferson Davis a letter of inquiry and shortly afterward re- ceived a reply from him assuring her that her son would be exchanged at the earliest moment possible. This was in 1862 and the letter has been preserved by the family ever since. Dr. Jesse Clement Shannon married Lavinia T. Old, a daugther of James Old, of Norfolk County, Virginia, and they had one child, James O. Dr. Shannon served throughout the war, but during his service contracted con- sumption, from which he died in 1868.
Thomas Shannon was also a resident of Elizabeth City at the time of the outbreak of the Civil War and immediately enlisted in the 8th North Carolina Regiment, C. S. Army. Subsequently he was promoted to 2nd lieuten- ant, and was later commissioned Ist lieutenant for his bravery at Cold Harbor, in 1864. How- ever, he never received the latter as he was taken prisoner during the conflict at that place. and held as such until the close of the war. He is now a resident of St. Louis, Missouri, where he is employed by the National Biscuit Company as cashier, and with this company he has been connected for the past 30 years. having entered their employ a few years after locating in St. Louis, in 1869. His services are of great value to the company and aside from business cares he takes an interest in so- cial life. He is a member of Stonewall Camp. Confederate Veterans, of Portsmouth, and is also an active member of the Sons of the Rev- olution.
William L. Shannon, deceased, married Miss E. O. Ballentine, of Portsmouth, and
upon his death was survived by his wife and two children: Leon G. and Elizabeth M.
Monroe Whedbee Shannon is a painter by trade and is now in the employ of the Seaboard Air Line at Portsmouth. He was united in marriage with Miss I. Veale, of Portsmouth, and they have six children, namely : Howard. Jesse, Lela, John, Julia and James.
Henry A. Shannon is connected with the police department of Portsmouth, Virginia. and makes his home with his sister. He was united in marriage with Julia Johnston, who was born in Richmond and is a daughter of Joseph Johnston. They have three sons : Thomas C., James J., and Henry A .. all of whom were born on the old homestead.
Mary Alexina Shannon was reared at Portsmouth and still makes her home at the old famly residence at No. 212 Dinwiddie street, which was originally the property of Jesse Key, and where all the children of James H. and Martha Smith ( Key) Shannon were born. Miss Shannon is among the best known and honored residents of Portsmouth, being esteemed and loved by all who know her. She is very liberal in her gifts to charity and does much to show her in- terest in the community in which she dwells.
Portraits of James H. Shannon and Thom- as Shannon, his son, are presented in connec- tion with this sketch, and appear on a foregoing page. The portrait of Thomas Shannon was engraved from a photograph taken in the spring of 1902.
OHN WILLIS. JR., who is well known as the proprietor of the magnificent furniture establishment located on the corner of Church and Main streets, in Norfolk, Virginia, was born in North- ampton County. Virginia, in 1870. He is a son of John and Rinthia ( Travis ) Willis.
Jolin Willis, Sr., was born in Northampton County, Virginia, where he is now living at the
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age of 75 years. He has always followed the vocation of a farmer and has met with suc- cess. He served with honor throughout the Confederate War. He was joined in mar- riage with Rinthia Travis, who died in 1885, at the age of 55 years, and they became the parents of nine children, as follows: Kate, who married William P. Wise, a farmier of Northampton County; Luther A .. a farmer of Northampton County; Amanda, deceased ; Margaret, who married W. T. Fitchett, a fariner of Northampton County; Lloyd. a farmer of Northampton County: Lummia, who lives with her father: Roberta, deceased; John, Jr .; and Mattie, who resides at home.
John Willis. Jr., attended the public and private schools at Northampton until he reached the age of 15 years, and then clerked in a store there for one year. He next went on a farm for himself and remained for four years, after which he came to Norfolk. He clerked in the furniture store of B. A. John- son for IS months, and afterward, under the firm name of Johnson & Willis, established a business at No. 360 Main street. The firm continued at that location for a year, and then moved to Portsmouth. At the end of one year there Mr. Johnson retired and P. W. Carney succeeded to his interests, the firm name be- ing changed to Carney & Willis. This con- tinued for 15 months, when Mr. Willis sold out to Mr. Carney and removed to Norfolk, purchasing the stock of Mr. Johnson in 1895. The establishment was located on Church street, where he remained until 1900. In the meantime, in 1897, he bought out his old part- ner, Mr. Carney, in Portsmouth, and conduct- ed that business for two years in connection with his Norfolk Store. He then resold the Portsmouth store to Mr. Carney. In January, 1901, Mr. Willis moved into the Hotel Norfolk building, better known as the Purcell House, the oldest hotel building in the city. The di- mensions of the building are 50 feet on Main street, 150 feet on Church street. and it is five stories high. The entire building is occupied
by this business, and he also has an annex, the dimensions of which are 50 by 99 feet, the latter being used as a warehouse. It is two stories high. From a modest beginning a com- paratively short time ago, Mr. Willis' business has witnessed a wonderful growth, and is to- day considered to be the largest furniture es- tablishment south of New York City. His stock is a comprehensive one. of all kinds of modern and antique furniture, together with carpets and draperies. Enterprising and en- ergetic, honest and straightforward in his every transaction, success has come to him wholly through his own efforts.
Mr. Willis was married, in 1892, to Pearl Johnson, who was born in Mathews County, Virginia, in 1871, and is a daughter of Benja- min A. and Lelia Johnson, and they have four children, namely : Rose, who was born in 1893; Benjamin A., born in 1895: Gladys, born in 1896; and John, born in 1898. Mrs. Willis is a member of the M. E. Church, South. Mr. Willis is a member of the Modern Puritans and the Royal Arcanum.
L. MAYER, a member of the firmn of Mayer & Company, manufacturers € and dealers in machinery and sup- plies, is engaged in business at No. 74 Commercial Place, Norfolk, Vir- ginia. He was born in Norfolk, and has al- ways made that city his home.
Mr. Mayer received his education in the Norfolk Academy, and began his business ea- reer at the age of 18 years. He engaged in the same line of business which he now fol- lows, and has always met with success. This business has been conducted under the firmn . name of Mayer & Company since 1878, and is one of the most widely known concerns of the kind in the country. They handle engines, boilers, pumps, injectors, siphons, hose, tools, shafting and pulleys, iron pipes, fittings, valves. cocks, ete., belting, packing, waste, iron and
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steel, nails, oils and cordage. They do a large business which increases each year.' Mr. Mayer is a man of fine business perception. possessing a keen foresiglit. and unusual ex- ecutive ability.
The subject of this sketch has been a mem- ber of the Select Council of Norfolk for a num- ber of years. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M. lodge, and of the Virginia Club. Po- litically, he is a Democrat.
R ICHARD A. DOBIE. as superintend- ent of the public schools of the city of Norfolk. Virginia, has established a, record of which any man may well feel proud. His policy during his in- cumbency of that office has been one of prog- ress, and it is but justice to this gentleman to say that the high degree of excellence of the Norfolk schools is chiefly due to his efforts.
Mr. Dobie was born in Sussex County. Vir- ginia, August 3, 1846, and was educated at Newville Academy. He was a young man at the time of the Intersectional War. but, de- voted to the cause of the Confederacy, he en- Jisted in January. 1864, in Sturdivant's Battery of Artillery. From that time until the sur- render of General Lee, he bravely discharged. the duties required of hiim as a soldier, and then returned home. For a period of 15 years he was a member of the Board of Harbor Com- missioners, eight years of which time he served as president of the board, and rendered efficient service in that capacity, although no salary was attached to the office. In 1896 he first be- came identified with the public schools of Nor- folk, being elected superintendent. to succeed K. C. Murray, deceased. The following year he was re-elected, and has hield that office since. He has displayed wonderful executive ability, organizing the schools on a thorough business basis. He has elevated the standard of schol- arship and the efficiency of the corps of teacli- ers, and maintained perfect harmony with the
School Board and the citizens of Norfolk. He is a man of great popularity with the residents of the city, rich and poor, alike, having many. warms friends, socially, who are politically opposed to him.
Mr. Dobie is an unswerving supporter of the principles of the Democratic party, and has never voted any other ticket. He has taken a very prominent part in the affairs of the Royal Arcanum, and has held the position of grand regent of Virginia, and representative from Virginia to the Supreme Council. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and was master of Owens Lodge. No. 164. A. F. & A. M., of Norfolk, for several terms. He is commander of Pickett-Buchanan Camp. Con- federate Veterans, and has always taken a very great interest in the workings of that organi- zation.
OHN OSWALD PITT, who is en- gaged in the grocery business in Nor- folk. Virginia, was born in Norfolk December 18. 1862. His parents. Merritt G. and Lucy ( Campbell) Pitt, were born in Isle of Wight County, Vir- ginia.
John Oswald Pitt attended the schools of Norfolk and afterward learned the trade of a blacksmith, which he followed a short time. but at the age of 21 years he gave it up, and accepted a position on the police force. He was a member of the police force two years. when he was promoted to be a police detective. He continued thus for about 10 years, when he engaged in the grocery business, in which he has remained up to the present day. He is a self-made inan and has just cause to be proud of the success which has come to him through constant faithfulness to business. and a determination to succeed. He is well known among thie business men of Norfolk, and is highly respected for his honesty and integrity.
Mr. Pitt was united in marriage with Del- phia E. Wright, of Princess Anne County.
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EDWARD CAMP.
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Virginia, and they have one daughter, Eoline. In May, 1900, Mr. Pitt was elected a council- man from the Third Ward, and is now a mem- ber of the Common Couneil. He is serving on the publie building committee, and also on the committee for employment of inmates of the City Jail. He is on the committee to con- fer with the fire and police committees in ref- erence to the relief of firemen and policemen. He votes the Democratic ticket. and has been an active worker in politics.
DWARD CAMP, general superintend-
ent of the Norfolk Knitting Mills .. . H. Politically he is a true Republican. He
whose portrait is herewith presented. is an old and highly respected resi- dent of the city, having located here in April, 1868. He was born in Tompkins County, New York, June 13. 1842, and is a son of Hermon and Catherine Camp.
Hermon Camp was born in Connecticut and spent the most of his life in New York State. He followed farming for a time and was also a merchant and manufacturer. His wife, Cath- erine, was a native of New York State.
Edward Camp grew to manhood in Tomp- kins County, New York, and at the age of 17 years enlisted on May 7, 1861. in Company I. 32nd Regiment, New York Volunteer Infan- try. He participated in the battle of Bull Run and was wounded at West Point. May 7, 1862, just one year from the date of his enlistment. He was discharged from the service about six months later and returned to his home. where he engaged in mercantile pursuits and farming. In 1868 he came to Norfolk. Virginia. where, with the exception of four years, he has since lived. He was engaged in trucking for a number of years, and has since witnessed the development of what was his truek farm into a thickly settled district of the city. He became identified with the Norfolk Knitting Mills in the capacity of foreman in the finishing de- partment, and from that position was pro-
moted to be general superintendent of the plant January 1. 1901. He gave to the mill com- pany the land on which the plant is now located. The Norfolk Knitting Mills is an extensive : plant, employing about 225 men, and manufac- turing men's balbriggan underwear, which has a sale throughout the country. Mr. Camp has made a success in a business way, and is a man of recognized ability. He has many warm friends of long vears standing, and is highly respected wherever known.
In 1862 Mr. Camp was joined in the bonds of matrimony with Susan J. Winfield, of Tri- mansburg. Tompkins County, New York, and they have two children, Hermon W. and Mary was appointed deputy marshal of the Eastern District of Virginia, and served five years. In 1895 he was elected a member of the City Council. succeeding Mr. Anderson, and has been twice re-elected. He is public spirited and progressive, and has always been found on the right side of measures tending to advance the best interests of the city. Fraternally he is a Mason and Knight Templar. He is a member of Truman Post, No. 157. G. A. R., of New York. Religiously Mr. Camp is a faithful member of the Presbyterian Church.
H. TRICE, a member of the firm of W. H. H. Trice & Company. real estate dealers in the city of Norfolk, Virginia, is a son of W. H. H. Trice, one of the most prominent real estate dealers Norfolk has ever had.
W. H. H. Trice was born in Louisa Coun- ty, Virginia, in 1844. and about 30 years ago came to Norfolk, where he was employed as a mail-clerk by the government for a period of 20 years. At the end of that time, with no capital. but with a strong determination to succeed and a character above reproach, Mr. Trice em- barked in the real estate business. At the time of his engaging in this business, he had a desk.
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in the office of James Y. Leigh, where he was located for several years. He then formed a partnership with Walter Sharp, which con- tinued for nine years, at the expiration of which time they separated, and the business was conducted as Trice & Son.
Many of the most successful real estate men in Norfolk have learned the business under Mr. Trice. Besides owning a large amount of real estate himself, the firm does a large general realty business, buying and selling property both in and out of Norfolk. W. H. H. Trice & Company are agents for property in Norfolk, and in the suburban towns around, and the business is conducted with splendid manage- ment. H. H. Trice, the subject of this sketch, could not have received his knowledge of this business under a better preceptor. as his father is one of the most successful real estate men in Virginia.
H. H. Trice is acknowledged to be one of the leading young business men of Norfolk, possesses sterling business qualities, and is' modern and progressive in all his undertakings.
OHN BENSON JENKINS, attorney- at-law in the city of Norfolk, is a well- known member of the bar of Virginia. He was born in Norfolk County. Sep- tember 8, 1859. He was educated at Webster Institute, and at William R. Galt's school, in Norfolk. He attended Richmond College, and afterward was graduated with the degree of M. A., in June, 1882. After com- pleting the course at the University of Vir- ginia, he attended the Harvard Law School. and subsequently studied law at the University of Virginia.
In 1885. Mr. Jenkins began the practice of his chosen profession in the city of Norfolk, where he has won distinction as a lawyer of more than ordinary ability. He has a large general practice, to which he devotes most of his time. He has been identified with all the
prominent enterprises which have been under- taken to develop Norfolk, and is one of that city's progressive citizens.
December 19, 1888, Mr. Jenkins was united in marriage with Eunice B. Wort- ham, of Richmond, Virginia. He is a member of Owens Lodge, No. 164, A. F. & A. M., is a director of the Public Library, manager of the Norfolk Seamen's Friend Society, and a trustee of the Norfolk Academy. He is one of the most public-spirited citizens of Norfolk, and is held in high esteem by all who are for- tunate enough to meet him, or to have busi- ness dealings with him.
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