USA > Virginia > City of Norfolk > City of Norfolk > History of Norfolk County, Virginia and representative citizens, V.2 > Part 19
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Mr. Rockafeller was married. January 12. 1874. to Miss E. F. Fritter, a native of Staf- ford County, Virginia, and a daughter of W. P. and Eliza Agnes Fritter, the latter an hon- ored resident of South Norfolk. They have three children, namely : Grace; Lillian M .. the wife of John M. Gibbs, of South Norfolk: and C. Hamilton, inspector for the E. H. Barnes Box Company. Mr. Rockafeller and his wife are members of the Baptist Church, in which the former was a deaeon for many years : he was also for a number of years, superintend- ent of the Sunday-school.
Mr. Roekafeller has served as a member of the Town Council of Berkley for several terms. He has always taken an active interest in the politics of the county, and is an ardent Demo- erat. He is a member of the Royal Areanum i and Junior Order of United American Mc- chanies.
RS. MARGARET CROMWELL, an octogenarian and a highly es- m teemed resident of Tanner's Creck. Virginia, whose portrait accompanies this sketch. is a lady possessing many excellent qualities, and oe- cupies a high place in the estimation of her nu- merous friends. Mrs. Cromwell was born No- veniber 9. 1819, and is the relict of George E. Cromwell, who died at the age of 65 years.
pecially fine horses. At the time of his demise he left a widow and five children to mourn his death. The names of the children are as fol- lows: George E. ; Emma V. ; Anna P .; Joseph B., deceased ; and Maggie E. George E., the only son living, is a farmer and resides near Norfolk. Emma V. married Jolin E. Ross, also a farmer, and they live on the farm near Tanner's Creek; Mr. and Mrs. Ross have two children, James F. and Georgia E. Anna P. was united in marriage with C. E. Powell, and also lives on a farm near Tanner's Creek. Mag- gie E. is the wife of J. D. Guy, whom she mar- ried April 27. 1886, and they have iwo chil- dren, Joseph Emmett, born February 5. 1887. and Mary Louisa, born May 2, 1889, whe at- tend school at home.
J. D. Guy was born in IS6t in Norfolk
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County, Virginia, where he remained until 1882, after securing his mental training as best he could, from the public schools. He then vented a farm and started out for himself. On this he remained for two years, and subse- quently purchased a farmi of 100 acres, 01 which he still resides and has been very suc- cessful. He has it in the highest state of cul- , tivation, with well-kept outhouses and a com- modious and convenient residence, in which he and his family dwell in comfort. The family are members of the Methodist Episco- pal Church. South, and attend services regut- larly. Mr. Guy is a Democrat in politics and served as a registrar of votes for two years.
Mr. Guy traces his descent from George Guy, who, with three brothers. Bailey, Nelson and Harry, lived in Norfolk County during the eighteenth century, and mainly followed fishing and farming. Harry died in early life and Nelson lived to a ripe old age. Bailey at-
tained the age of about 60 years, and George died of old age. The last named was a native of Norfolk County and was the great-grand- father of Mr. Guy. His son, John, the grand- father of Mr. Guy, was a farmer and fisher- man of the same county, and passed to his final rest in 1858, being 72 years old at the time of his demise. His son, Joseph L., the father of Mr. Guy, was born in 1825, and is now liv- · ing a retired life at Tanner's Creek, having been for many years a successful fisherman, disposing of the fruits of his skill in the Nor- folk market. Mr. Guy is considered a repre- sentative farmer in this district. is progressive in his methods, successful in his business and thoroughly reliable in every respect.
APT. F. M. WOOD, who is in the service of the Norfolk County Fer- ries, was born in Plymouth, Wash- ington County, North Carolina, in October, 1874. He located in Nor- folk in 1886, but his mental training was re-
ceived in the schools of North Carolina. At the early age of 13 years, he became mess boy on a yacht. He then sailed up and down the Atlantic Coast on a sailing vessel. and also made a voyage to the West Indies. After leav- ing the sailing vessel, he worked on a tug-boat, and filled all the positions on various kinds of craft. His advance was so rapid that at the age of 18 years, he was master of a vessel, his first command being the "Dirigo." owned by the Tunis Lumber Company. The first steam ves- sel which he commanded was the tug "Major" of Norfolk. Since 1899, he has been connected with the Norfolk County Ferries, and is one of its most trusted employees. He is now master of the steamer "Twin City." His record as a seaman has always been an excellent one.
Captain Wood was united in marriage with Dora Randolph, of Berkley. Virginia, and they have four children,-Annie E .; Herbert M .; Marion L. : and Joseph D. The Wood family reside in Berkley, where they are well known and highly esteemed by a large circle of friends. Captain Wood is a member of the American Association of Masters & Pilots.
APT. A. D. MORGAN, harbor master at Portsmouth, Norfolk County. Virginia, was born in Mathews County, Virginia. May 10, 1857. He is a son of William Morgan, who was also a native of Virginia.
Captain Morgan received his intellectual instructions in private schools of Mathews County, and at the age of 16 years began the life of a mariner. He was first employed on a sailing vessel for five years, and at the age of 22 years was master of a steam vessel. He continued this life until he was appointed har- bor master of Portsmouth, a position he fills in a most able and creditable manner, winning the highest commendation for his faithful dis- charge of duty. He was appointed harbor mas- ter in 1898, and bids fair to hold that position for some time to come.
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Captain Morgan is a member of the Amer- ican Association of Masters & Pilots, and is one of the charter members of that organiza- tion. He also belongs to the Royal Arcanum; Woodmen of the World; and A. F. & A. M. lodges. He makes friends easily. and is con- sidered one of the most popular men in Ports- mouth.
APT. GEORGE B. DOWNING, who has been associated with the Mer- chants & Miners Transportation Company for the past five years, was born at Mackey Ferry. Washington County, North Carolina. January 9. 1871. He is a son of Thomas S. and Hattie E. (Wood) Downing.
The Downing family is one of the oldest families in the United States, and a tract of land, which was granted by the English crown, is still owned by Mrs. D. M. Herrington, a descendant of the original Downing grantee. Capt. William Downing, who came from Eng- land, settled in Washington County, North Carolina, as early as 1701. He engaged in the sawmill business, sawing boards for the old Methodist Church at Edenton, North Carolina. Henry Downing, his son was Capt. George B. Downing's great-grandfather, and Col. Joseph · Downing was his grandfather. The first rep- resentative to the House of Representatives, from Washington County, was Capt. William Downing, and he was also elected speaker of that body.
Thomas S. Downing, the father of George B., was a farmer throughout his career. His early life was spent as a mill-boy. He was en- gaged in running a water and grist-mill until the time of the war, when, in 1863, he enlisted in the Montgomery True Blues, and served un- til the end of the conflict. He then married, and was engaged in farming in Washington County until 1879, when he removed to Tyrrell County. There he spent his remaining days, and departed this life, May 31, 1896. His
wife, Hattie E. Wood, died February 9, 1888. They had nine children, six of whom are still living, namely: Mrs. Katie C. Barco; George B., the subject of this biography ; Thomas W .; Richard S. : Lella (Lipscomb) ; and Joseph H.
Capt. George B. Downing grew to man- hood in Tyrrell County, although his carly training .had been received in Washington County, North Carolina. In 1889. at the age of 18 years, he removed to Norfolk, where he began his nautical career, He took a position as cook on a steamboat, and from that he filled various positions on the deck until he was made master. His first steam-craft was the tug "Juniper." He was in the employ of the Sea- board Air Line for three years, and next en- gaged with the Merchants & Miners Trans- portation Company, in whose service he has been for the past five years. He has proven very valuable to this company, and is held in higli esteem by his employers and by those be- neath him in rank.
Captain Downing was married in 1896 to Mattie E. Perry of Berkley. She is a daugh- ter of J. H. Perry, who was a merchant. Cap- tain Downing and his wife have two children. namely : James B. : and Hattie M. The sub- ject of this sketch is a member of the Elizabeth Lodge. A. O. U. W., of Norfolk; he is also a member of the American Association of Mas- ters & Pilots. He has been quite active in the reorganization of the latter. Captain Down- ing makes his home in Berkley.
J. OTTLEY, who has been identified with various business interests of Berkley for many years, is one of the oldest inhabitants of the town. He was born in Berkley, Norfolk County, Virginia, October 7, 1846, being of Scotch an- cestry, and is a son of William Ottley.
William Ottley was a blacksmith by trade, and followed that occupation until his death in 1846, before the birth of his son, J. J. He was
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united in marriage with Mary Halstead, who was born in Norfolk County, and died in 1876, at the age of 69 years. They had six children, as follows: Covington M .. who died in 1881 : Sarah K., widow of C. O. Ives, who was a farmer by occupation: John K., who was wounded in front of Petersburg. and died there; Mary E., who died at the age of four years ; William N., who is a farmer in Missis- sippi : and J. J., the subject of this sketch.
J. J. Ottley was married in November. 1889, to Rosa C. Parker, a daughter of Josiah and Mary Ann ( Keith) Parker. She is de- scended from Col. Josiah Parker, who served in the Revolutionary War, and took part in the battle of Trenton. The family have always been prominently identified with the army and navy, and Maj. Lco P. Parker. a brother of Mrs. Ottley, was lately retired from the navy. Religiously. Mrs. Ottley is a member of the St. Thomas Protestant Episcopal Church of Berkley.
Mr. Ottley has been prominently identified with many of the leading business enterprises of the town, and at the present time is treasurer of the Berkley Permanent Building & Loan Association: a director of the Merchants' & Planters' Bank: and a director in the Chesa- peake Building Aasociation, of which he is also vice-president. He has many lifelong ac- .quaintances in Berkley. and enjoys the uni- versal good will and respect of his fellow citi- zens.
RAPT. JOHN E. BUNCH, who is in the employ of the Norfolk County Ferries, and is pilot of the "Twin City," was born in Chowan County, North Carolina, March 16, 1862. He is a son of William and Mary ( Goodwin) Bunch, both natives of North Carolina. Will- iam Bunch was a farmer and followed that occupation all his active life. Of five children born to himself and wife, three are now living. namcly : Ephraim, John E. and Puss.
Capt. John F. Bunch grew to manhood in Chowan County. and attended the schools there. although his educational advantages were indeed meager. He farmed until he was 19 years old, working on nearby farms. He be- came a deck-hand on the "Schuyler Nelson." under Capt. E. L. Hoagland, and worked his way up from that position to his present one. He has been with the Norfolk County Ferries some time. and is one of their most esteemed employes. At present he is pilot of the "Twin City" ferry-boat.
Captain Bunch was married in July. 1901, to Catherine Revere of Virginia. By his former marriage with Lula E. Parker, who died July 7. 1896, aged 27 years, four children were born, two of whom are now living,- Willic A. and Hazel.
D R. J. H. COSTENBAADER, one of the bright and energetic young business men of Berkley. Virginia. where he ably represents the profession of dentistry, has made ample prepara- tion for his chosen calling, and, judging by the extraordinary rapidity with which his present clientage has been built up. gives promise of be- ing one of the most successful dentists in that city. Dr. Costenbader was born in Westmore- land County, Virginia, in 1876. and is a son of William HI. and Ella J. ( Pitt) Costenbader.
William Costenbader was a native of Mauch Chunk, Pennsylvania, a miller and mer- chant by occupation, and during his active life enjoyed the greatest success. He is now 68 years old, and is living a retired life in West- moreland County, Virginia. His beloved wife. Ella J. ( Pitt) Costenbader, was a native of Virginia, and died in 1898, at the age of 50 years. She was a member of the Baptist Church, and her husband is a member of the Presbyterian Church. They had seven chil- dren, namely : S. Benjamin, a successful mer- chant of Pennsylvania : Elwin H., manager of
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سحت.
JOHN T. GRIFFIN.
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his father's mill and store in Westmoreland County, Virginia, known as the Potomac' Mills; Cora V., wife of Robert L. Thomas, a farmer in Westmoreland County; J. H., the subject of this biography; Frank L., who is now taking a course in medicine and surgery at the University College of Medicine in Rich- mond, Virginia, and who is a dentist by pro- fession; and Vivenna and Ardelle, both at home.
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Dr. Costenbader attended school at Oak Grove Institute in Westmoreland County, Vir- ginia, and supplemented this by a course in the dental department of the University College of Medicine, from which he graduated in 1899. His next move was to start his practice in Nor- folk, and there he enjoyed five months of suc- cess in his chosen line of work, removing at that time to Berkley, and there establishing an office at the corner of Berkley avenue and Chestnut street, where he has remained ever since, doing a fine business.
Dr. Costenbader is still enjoying single blessedness. He is a member of the Berkley Avenue Baptist Church, which he attends regu- larly. He affiliates with Lee Lodge. K. of P., and is a member of the Berkley Business Men's Association.
The subject of this sketch is a well read and unusually intelligent man, and stands high in the esteem of his acquaintances, who respect him as one who is fulfilling all the requirements of a true citizen.
OHN T. GRIFFIN. a gentleman of prominence in Norfolk County, Vir- ginia, whose business career has been one of unceasing activity, is president of the Merchants' & Farmers' Bank, of Portsmouth, and is identified with many other enterprises which have contributed in a large degree to the progress and prosperity of the cities of Norfolk and Portsmouth and of Norfolk County. He was born at Suffolk, 38
Virginia, February 5, 1838, and is a son of Nathaniel Griffin and grandson of Luke Griffin, who was born in Nansemond County, Virginia.
Nathaniel Griffin was also born in Nanse- mond County, Virginia. He mainly followed farming throughout his life, and conducted a large coach-making business at Suffolk. He re- moved to Norfolk County in 1844 and there farmed until his death in 1887, at the age of 81 years. He married Virginia Ann Gwinn. who was born in Nansemond County January 25, 1819, and died December 15, 19. 0, at the age of almost 82 years. They became the > parents of three children: One who died in infancy; Virginia Judson, who died in May. 1898; and John T., the subject of this bio- graphy.
John T. Griffin was six years of age when his father moved to Norfolk County, and there went to school until 1855. when he entered the Columbian University, at Washington, D. C. After graduating from that institution, in 1859, he taught the preparatory department there during 1859. 1860 and a part of 1861. He then returned to Norfolk County and in 1862 served as engineer on General Randolph's staff, and later with other officers. Ile was on the defenses of Petersburg, after the evacu- ation of Norfolk, and served until the surren- der at Appomattox. when he reported to Gen- eral Lee, the parole being signed by that gener- al's adjutant, Walter H. Taylor, of Norfolk. He then taught school at Churchland Academy during 1865 and 1866. After the war he served for two years as surveyor of Nanse- mond County, and since 1867 has been engaged in truck farming on a large scale. He has six very fine truck farms, mainly in Norfolk Coun- ty, all of which are connected by telephone. In 1884. he was elected president of the Norfolk Storage Company, and served as such for sev- eral years. At the request of the depositors. in 1885, he became a trustee of the bankrupt firm of Bain & Brother, and discharged the duties of that office in a most acceptible man- ner. In December. 1885, he was chosen presi-
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dent of the Merchants' & Farmers' Bank, an official position he has since maintained in a most creditable manner. He is also a director of the Atlantic & Danville Railway, the Sea- board Insurance Company, the Portsmouth Wharf & Warehouse Company, the American Fertilizing Company: and has been president of the Western Branch Drawbridge Company since its organization in 1871; being also a member of the board of directors. The other officers of the last named concern are E. C. Brooks, secretary; and William G. Maupin, Jr., treasurer. Mr. Griffin is one of the most progressive men of the county, and makes his residence in the vicinity of Churchland.
In 1865 Mr. Griffin married Julia Armi- stead Benn, who was born in Nansemond County, Virginia, and is a daughter of Thomas Benn, an ensign in the War of 1812. Three children resulted from this union, namely : Thomas Benn; Virginia Julia; and Mary Gasena. Thomas Benn was born in 1866 and looks after the farming interests of his father. He married Miss Williams, of Petersburg, and they have five children, namely: Mortimer : Nathaniel J. ; Sarah; Thomas Benn and John T. Virginia Julia married C. W. Coleman. an attorney of Portsmouth, and they have a daughter. Julia G. Mary Gasena is the wife of James Vernon Carney. Politically Mr. Griffin is a Democrat and has been a magistrate since 1879. He is a member of the Churchland Baptist Church and takes an earnest interest in church work. His portrait accompanies this sketch.
ILLIAM G. ASHLEY, superintend- ent of the Union Mission, resides at No. 114 South Reservoir ave- nue, Norfolk. Virginia. He occu- pies a leading place among the many useful citizens of that city, and is known as a man of strong character, very pleasant in manner, but firm and persistent in executing his work to the best of his ability.
Mr. Ashley is a son of Witham P. and Vir- ginia D. (Guy) Ashley, natives of Virginia, and was born in Norfolk, October 12, 1847. William P. Ashley learned the trade of car- penter and builder, which he followed until the breaking out of the Confederate War. He then enlisted in the Confederate Army, serving 1 under Custis E. Lee, youngest son of Robert E. Lee, 'in the Army of Northern Virginia. : For the following four years. Mr. Ashley saw active service, and when the war closed he re- turned to his business life as a carpenter and builder, and pursued that occupation until his death, October 16. 1878. at the age of 69 years.
In 1845, William P. Ashley was united in the holy bonds of matrimony with Virginia D. Guy, a daughter of Elias E. Guy, and a de- scendant of one of Virginia's oldest and best families. She was a deeply religious woman, a member of the Baptist Church, and was al- ways busy with church work. She and her husband had five children, of whom William G. is now the only survivor. The names of their family are as follows : William G. ; Ida V., who married James H. Carroll, of New York, and died at the age of 35 years ; Elizabeth E .; Eva M .. wife of Frank A. Smith, who died at the . age of 32 years ; and Harry.
William G. Ashley attended school in his native city until he attained the age of 14 years. and obtained what education was possible in that space of time. After leaving school, he
: enlisted in Company G, 4th Virginia Battalion. and like his father served under Custis E. Lee. Being too young to carry a Belgian rifls. he was given a breech-loading carbine, which had been captured from the Federals during the first year of the war. He took his plats in all the conflicts in and around Richmond, and did gallant service, but was mainly en- gaged in the battles in and around Fort Harrison and Drewry's Bluff . and was pres- ent at the surrender of Richmond. Dur- ing all the years of his service he was never wounded or taken prisoner, but was all the better for the duty. The war closed
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before he had attained his roth year, and he became a contractor and builder, as was his father. He proved very successful in that line of business, in which he continued until Aug- ust, 1900, when he assumed the numerous duties and responsibilities of his present posi- tion as superintendent of the Union Mission.
The Union Mission of Norfolk, Virginia. was established in 1892. and has progressed rapidly since that time, until it is a credit to the city; the religious services are held regu- larly every evening, and a Sunday-school for Chinese has also been established in connection with the other work. Besides this there is an industrial school, which has grown with great rapidity, and which contains a carpenter shop, a shoemaker department, and a department where all the various trades are taught and car- ried on, so that everyone is kept busy, each at his trade. The good that has been accomplished and is now being done by this mission can not be overestimated; the library and reading rooms are not only of advantage to the occu- pants, but to anyone who may choose to come and enjoy them. Sometimes extra beds have been made, and meals prepared, around the stove in the chapel, all the other beds having been previously filled. As many as 14 have been accommodated in this way. Funds for the support of the mission are collected from the best people of Norfolk, and under the effi- cient management of Mr. Ashley, who is also ably assisted in his work by his worthy wife. it is doing much for the betterment of the condi- tion, both religiously and physically, of those in need. 6
On September 23, 1878, the subject of this sketch was united in marriage with Nan- nie Pebworth, a native of Norfolk and a daughter of William and Georgia Pebworth, also natives of Virginia. They have no chil- dren of their own, but have adopted a child,- Guy,-whom they are rearing to the best of their ability. Both are active in the work of the Baptist Church, of which they are members.
In fraternal circles, Mr. Ashley is a member
of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows and of the Knights of Pythias. having passed through all the chairs of both organizations; he also affiliates with the Improved Order of Red Men.
The work in which Mr. Ashley is engaged is much to his taste and delight, and he has al- ways proved himself to be the right man in the right place. With unfailing energy and perse- verance he has applied himself to his task. and his work takes rank among the most useful and praiseworthy in the city.
R ICHARD COX BARLOW, who is one of the leading attorneys of Ports- mouth. Norfolk County. Virginia. is a descendant of one of the old Virginia families. His maternal grandfather ¡ Richard Cox, was a native of New Jersey, of Scotch descent, and was left an orphan at an early age. In 1840. he removed to Norfolk County, and was one of the pioneer truckers of this county, being known as the "Father of i Truckers." His farm was located three miles from Portsmouth, and this he conducted until 1800, when he died, aged 85 years.
Thomas J. Barlow. the father of Richard Cox Barlow, was born at Williamsburg, Virginia, where he lived until his mar- riage with Annie Cox, in 1865. In that year they removed to Portsmouth, where Mr. Barlow engaged in the grocery busi- ness. He continued in that line for some time and then engaged in the trucking business. He now lives in Portsmouth, but : continues to make daily visits to the farm. His !marriage with Miss Cox resulted in the birth of five children, namely: Tillie C .; Annie C .; Richard C., the subject of this sketch ; C. H., a physician of New York City; and Carrie Y.
Richard Cox Barlow was reared in Ports- mouth, and after attending the public schools of that town took a course at William and Mary College, after which he attended the Uni-
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versity of Virginia. He graduated from that institution with the degree of B. L., in June, 1897. He opened spacious offices at No. 600 Conrt street, where he commenced the practice of his profession. He has met with much suc- cess in his chosen vocation, and his practice. which is general, is large aud lucrative. He possesses much natural ability as a lawyer, and has easily won the confidence of the citizens of Portsmouth, by his upright and honest deal- ings with all men.
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