USA > Virginia > City of Norfolk > City of Norfolk > History of Norfolk County, Virginia and representative citizens, V.2 > Part 21
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Harry I .. Watts first accepted a clerical position in the cotton business at the Cotton
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Exchange, and was then in the employ of George L. Arps. He was engaged in the in- surance business several years at Portsmouth. and was secretary of the Portsmouth Gas Com- pany from 1897 to 1899. In 1898. he formed a partnership with Mr. Hart under the firm name of Hart & Watts, in the planing mill and lumber business. They rank among the fore- most concerns in that line of business, and their enterprise is gradually growing. Mr. Watts is a man of marked ability in business affairs. and his many excellent traits of character have gained him numerous friends throughout Nor- folk County.
Mr. Watts married a daughter of Dr. H. F. Butt, and has three children,-Harry, Lee. Holt, Fairfield and Sarah Monrovia. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum and was collec- tor for his lodge several years. but resigned this position. He is an Episcopalian.
B ENJAMIN H. MARKS. a well-known lawyer of Norfolk. Norfolk County. Virginia, was born in Prince George County, Virginia, in 1871. He is a son of Robert C. Marks, one of the most prominent business men of Norfolk.
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Robert C. Marks was born in Prince George County, Virginia. He became one of the largest peanut growers in the State, and in 1889 re- moved to Norfolk. He was connected with the American Peanut Company, manufactur- ers, which shipped peanuts to all parts of the world. He left that company in 1892 to be- come president and treasurer of the Norfolk- Virginia Peanut Company. This company handles 60,000 sacks of peanuts each year and exports its products in every direction abroad. It is widely known, and carries on an immense business, employing about So men in the fac- tory. Mr. Marks is one of the most influential business men of Norfolk, and is widely known there.
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Petersburg, Virginia, and later took a course of law at the University of Virginia, and was admitted to the bar in December. 1893. In that year he commenced practice in Norfolk. where he has since remained, and is attorney for many of the leading business firms of the city. He stands high in legal circles, and is a lawyer of undisputed ability. He has a large general practice. and is one of the active young professional men of Norfolk.
JEORGE R. TRANT is a member of the firm of Pollard. Trant & Com- pany, which is extensively engaged in the lumiber business, and maintains a lumber yard and office on Crawford street, between County and Columbia streets. It is the oldest firm in the city of Portsmouth, and was established 22 years ago by Mr. Trant and W. T. Baker.
Mr. Trant was born and reared in King William County, Virginia, and at an early day entered the employ of a lumber firm at Rich- mond, Virginia. He then spent three years in the lumber business in North Carolina, and in 1879 moved to Portsmouth, Norfolk Coun- ty. Virginia. In partnership with W. T. Baker, deceased, who was a son of General Baker of North Carolina, he established his present business enterprise. He was next in partnership with L. T. Gwathmey, and is now associated with Mr. Pollard, who is in the gen- eral commission business at Norfolk. Mr. Trant has full charge of affairs at Portsmouth, their business being a very extensive one. They are both excellent business men and their en- terprise has been one of continued success. Mr. Trant is also president of the Portsmouth &' Norfolk Building & Loan Association, with which he has been officially connected for the past five years. Before that time he was a stockholder in it.
George R. Trant married Virginia Y. Boy- Benjamin H. Marks attended a college at kin, a daughter of R. V. Boykin, of Ports-
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mouth, who is deceased. This union was blessed by the birth of four children. as fol- low's: Mildred M. and Emma B., who attend Hollins Institute; Helen M .; and George R., Jr. The last named is the fourth of the family to bear the name of George R. Mr. Trant is a member of the School Board; he was presi- dent of the Y. M. C. A., and chairman of the finance committee of that organization. He is a member of the Baptist Church, of which he is a deacon. He has a very fine home in Park View, a beautiful residence district of Ports- mouth.
HARLES W. PRIDDY, one of Nor- folk's most reliable and progressive citizens, is president of the Norfolk Bagging Company and of the Poco- moke Guano Company, and one of the firm of Charles W. Priddy & Company, wholesale jobbers of bagging and ties for bal- ing cotton. He was born in Charlotte County Virginia, October 6, 1864, and is a son of John D. and Mary E. Priddy.
John D. Priddy was a farmer and merchant at Keysville, Virginia, for many years, and the old family homestead is now owned by the subject of this sketch. John D. Priddy was a thrifty man and was well and favorably known over a large section of the country. He died in 1887, at the age of 72 years; his wife died in 1895, at the same age.
Charles W. Priddy attended various schools, and then took an advanced course at Poughkeepsie, New York. He was then en- gaged in the fertilizing business in Richmond, Virginia, and some years later in Baltimore. He came to Norfolk in 1896, and has since been active in the various enterprises above men- tioned, all of which he established. The Poco- moke Guano Company has a large output. and does business in four States,-Virginia. North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. The Norfolk Bagging Company manufactures bag- ging and cotton ties in its factory at Ports-
mouth. It is the largest concern of its kind in the South, employing from 100 to 125 men, and does business in all the Southern States, from Virginia to Mississippi .. Charles W. Priddy & Company are wholesale jobbers of bagging and ties for covering cotton and do business throughout the Southeast. They have storage houses in, and distribute goods from, Wilmington, North Carolina; Charleston, South Carolina; Savannah, Georgia : and Nor- folk. Virginia. Mr. Priddy maintains his of- fices at Nos. 622-624-626 Citizens' Bank Build- ing in Norfolk.
Mr. Priddy was joined in marriage with Myrtie Young, daughter of J. T. S. and Mary E. Young, of Virginia, both of whom are de- ceased. This union was blessed by the birth of three children, namely: Fanny Y .; Mai Merriman ; and Sidney Young. Mr. Priddy is chairman of the finance committee of the Jamestown Celebration for 1907, and also vice- president of the Norfolk Chamber of Com- merce. He is one of Norfolk's most earnest, enterprising and active business men. . He be- lieves faithfully in the future greatness of Nor- folk as a commercial center, and takes a prom- inent part in her activities.
€ DMUND L. BARLOW, a prosperous business man of Portsmouth. Vir- ginia, is junior member of the firm of T. J. Barlow & Brother. wholesale and retail grocers. This firm handles groceries, feed, flour, etc., in large quantities at their store at Nos. 810 and 812 Crawford street. It carries an abundant stock and en- joys the patronage of the best people of the city. It has a double store building, large and roomy, and a large force is employed and kept busy most of the time in attending to the wants. of customers.
This business was founded in 1867 by T. J. Barlow, the senior member of the firm, who first conducted a retail business only, but grad-
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ually changed to both wholesale and retail. By his energy and perseverance he has made the most of his opportunities to build up the busi- ness, and has established a large and constant- ly increasing trade.
Edmund L. Barlow was born at Williams- burg. Virginia, and is a son of John H. Bar- low, deceased. John H. Barlow was for many years very prominent in business circles, and was engaged very successfully in mercantile pursuits at Williamsburg for about 40 years. All of the members of this family are deceased, with the exception of Edmund L. and his brother. T. J.
Edmund L. Barlow moved to Portsmouth in 1890, after obtaining his mental training at his birthplace, where he remained until he at- tained manhood. He has since been a resident of Portsmouth, and entered the firm as junior member in 1896, when its name became T. J. Barlow & Brother. The business owes much of its success to the efforts. of thi ; gentleman, who has built up a most enviable trade by his genial, accommodating manners and his evi- dent desire to make friends of his customers.
The subject of this sketch was united in marriage with Isabel Stout, an estimable young lady of Portsmouth, and they reside at their comfortable home at No. 312 North street. They attend the Baptist Church. In politics, Mr. Barlow is a Democrat, who does what he can to promote the interests of his party.
A. MCCURDEY, M. D., physician and surgeon located at No. 371 Free- mason street. Norfolk, Virginia. whose portrait appears herewith, has met with the most flattering recog- nition of his ability and worth during his short but successful practice in that city, and has won golden opinions from all fair-mindeel citi- zens by his skillful and practical methods of treating all applications for his professional as- sistance. He is exceptionally well fitted to
make a success of his chosen calling, having graduated from the medical department of the University of Virginia, and is well read and keeps abreast of the times in his profession as well as upon the leading questions of the day. Like his mother, he is a native of Norfolk and was born December 15, 1871, being a son of T. B. McCurdey and Martha Frances Wins- low, his wife.
T. B. McCurdey, the father, is a native of Richmond. He has an army record which is a source of pride to him and his family. He served in the Thomas Battery, Artillery, en- listing as a private and receiving promotion as Ist junior lieutenant. He served in Pickett's Division, Longstreet's Corps: after the battle of Gettysburg. his battery became a part of Casker's Battery, in which he was made Ist lieutenant. He was mustered out of service on the close of the war.
Dr. McCurdey is the eldest of a family of three children. the other members of the family being Carrie W., wife of Rev. George P. Rut- ledge, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and a brother. Paul W. McCurdev.
June 30, 1900, the Doctor was united in marriage with Virginia Farragut Newton, a daughter of George Newton and Celestia Meade Loyall, old and highly respected fami- lies of Norfolk. Mrs. McCurdey's lineage is traceable directly to ancestors who were among the first families to settle in Virginia. The Doctor and his accomplished wife have one son, Newton Farragut, who is a great-nephew of David Glascow Farragut, the first admiral of the United States. Mrs. McCurdey was named after her mother's sister, Mrs. Virginia Farragut, a lady of great benevolence and charity and wife of Admiral David Glascoe Farragut, of the United States Navy. Religi- ously they are members of Christ Protestant Episcopal Church, Norfolk, Virginia.
Dr. McCurdey received his primary in- struction at the Norfolk Academy. In 1894 he matriculated in the University of Virginia [ and graduated from the medical department
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with high honors in 1896. He then served one year as interne in the Norfolk Retreat for the Sick, now known as the Norfolk Protestant Hospital. subsequently taking a post-graduate course in New York City. Feeling himself to be fully equipped to do justice to the noble profession which it is his aim in life to honor. Dr. McCurdey returned to Norfolk and opencd an office as general practitioner in 1898. His success has been phenomenal and he is looked upon as one of the rising young physicians of the city.
Fraternally he is a member of Rathbone Lodge. No. 93. K. of P., being also examining physician of the Endowment Rank and having held the office of trustee. He is a member of the Norfolk Medical Society, the Medical So- eiety of Virginia, and a fellow of the American Medical Association. He takes a becoming in- terest in politics, but allows nothing to interfere with his professional duties. He is interested in educational matters and has served as a school trustee. He is one of the directors of the Young Men's Christian Association and is highly esteemed as a citizen.
C APT. CHARLES A. EARNEST, who has a remarkable record for long and faithful service in the em- ploy of the Old Dominion Steamship Company, is now serving in the ca- pacity of division superintendent. Captain Earnest was born in Richmond, Virginia, No- veniber 15, .1846, and is a son of George L. and Agnes L. Earnest. the former a native of Han- over County, and the latter of King William County, Virginia.
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Captain Earnest passed his boyhood in Richmond, Virginia. At the age of 13 years, liis health being bad. his father permitted him to go to sea in the hope of improving his health, and to choose sailing as his life work, if he so desired. The father was well acquainted with several ship-owners in Richmond, and starting
his son under very favorable auspices. He first became a cabin boy, in 1858, on the schoon- er "Gallego," which ran as a packet between Richmond and New York. He remained on it four months, in which time they made three trips. In the spring of 1859 he changed to the bark "Virginian," in the South American trade, making three voyages,-to Pernambuco, Baliia and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. His health having greatly improved, he returned home in 1860, and re-entered school. He attended but one month, when another vessel came to Rich- mond, which needed a boy. He gave up school and again shipped on the bark "Parthian." He made a voyage to Brazil, and upon return- ing found war in progress between the North and South. He could not get to his home in Richimond, and so went on the ship "Planter," bound for Havre, France. While there he chanced to meet his brother-in-law. A. V. Soule, in command of the bark "Fame" of Richmond. He was delighted to meet him and managed to be transferred to that vessel from the "Planter." He continued on board the "Fame" for eight months. and finally re- turned to New York. Still being unable to go to his old honte on account of the war. he put to sea again in the ship "Oracle," bound for Callao, Peru. He continued with that ves- sel three years, making South American and European ports. Upon one occasion he was washed overboard while on the boom. furling a sail. but was rescued. He finally made the port to San Francisco, and from there went to Hong Kong. China, and thence to the East Indies. He then went to Yokohama, Japan. and finally returned to San Francisco, and thence went to. New York. He returned to Richmond after an absence of five years, and remained at liome one year. He became rest- less and determined to continue his seafaring life, to which he had become wedded. He went on the steamer "Dirigo," bound for Portland, Maine, and this voyage marked the end of his sailing days, and the beginning of his career on steamers. He spent the following winter
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in Richmond, and in March again went to New York and became quartermaster on the steamer "Saratoga," of the Old Dominion line, a coni- pany which had been organized a short time previously. Thus began his services with the Old Dominion line, with which he has since continued. During this extended period he has lost but three months work, that period being in 1874, when he became sick. In March, 1868, when Captain Earnest became identified with this company, the fleet of the Old Domin- ion Steamship Company consisted of four small seagoing ships, namely: "Albermarle," Capt. H. A. Bouerne; "Hatteras." Capt. George W. Couch ; "Niagara," Capt. Sylvester Blakeman ; and "Saratoga," Capt. S. Alexander ; also an old screw steamer, "Virginia," which was used for a spare boat. In the fall of 1868. he was promoted to be second mate of the "Saratoga," and during 1869-1870 was mate of the "Wyan- oke," the first iron vessel built by the company. It was the finest and fleetest ship on the coast, and was of about 2,000 tons burden. He be- canie first officer on this boat, and in 1.873 took command of the "Hatteras." His record for quick promotion is most remarkable. He started as quartermaster, without friend or favor, in 1868, and in October, 1873. was made captain, having passed through all the inter- mediate grades in a little over five and one-half years. He was 27 years of age when he was made captain, and was the youngest man who ever commanded an Old Dominion steamer. However, he was not permitted to enjoy his good fortune long, being obliged to retire from sea service and take shore duty on account of a partial loss of eyesight, after serving success- fully as master about 12 months. He served as chief stevedore at Norfolk from 1874 to 1894, and then as wharf superintendent from 1894 to 1900. Since 1900, he has served most efficiently in the capacity of division superin- tendent. His long term of faithful service lias gained for him the good will of the officials of the Old Dominion Steamship Company, and
he enjoys the highest esteem of the employees of that company in general.
In 1876, Captain Earnest married Sarah E. Talley, a daughter of Nathaniel and Mary J. Talley, of Hanover County, Virginia. Mrs. Earnest departed this life in 1896, leaving five children, as follows: Mary Louise; Charles A. ; Elizabeth Talley; Agnes Mills ; and Jennie Ludwell.
T. SCOTT, the active manager of the well-known furniture firm of Thomas Scott's Sons of Ports- mouth, Virginia, of which he is also a member, is a business man of no ordinary ability, as the unqualified suc- cess of that enterprising firm goes to prove. The present company is composed of W. T. and A. C. Scott, and their affairs are conducted in a large, three-story building, 24 by 113 feet in dimensions, at No. 317 High street, and the capacity of this large building is insufficient at the present time, and the increasing trade compels the owners to have additional room, so that the adjoining building at No. 319 High street is also utilized for this purpose. The house carries a large stock of all kinds of furni- ture, and employs several clerks, Mr. Scott having full charge of the undertaking and em- balming department, and being an expert in that line.
This concern is one of the largest of its kind in Portsmouth, enjoys a fair patronage, and is the oldest furniture house in the State. The business was established by Thomas Scott, father of W. T. Scott, in 1856. In that year, he erected a substantial building, having done business in a small way since 1850. Under his splendid management. the business was conducted very successfully up to his death. which occurred December 25, 1897. During the Confederate War he served four years as a sergeant in the Signal Corps of the Army of
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Northern Virginia, leaving his business inter- ests during that time in the hands of Caleb Fleming. 'Mr. Fleming proved faithful to the trust and was afterward taken in as a partner and the business was carried on for some years under the firm name of Scott & Fleming. Thomas Scott was quite a prominent and pub- lic spirited citizen, and was interested in various enterprises of importance in and about Ports- mouth, where he was born, reared and spent almost his entire life. He owned several fine farms, one being located just six miles from Portsmouth. He was a director in the Bank of Portsmouth.
W. T. Scott was born at No. 714 Mill street, which is still his home. In early youth he entered his father's establishment, where he remained for some time, but for 14 years prior to the death of that beloved parent, he con- ducted a truck farm, and succeeded to his father's business in 1897. Socially, he is a man of much prominence, being a member of the following organizations: B. P. O. E .; K. of P .; I. O. O. F., both the lodge and encamp- ment ; I. O. R. M .; Royal Arcanum; I. O. H .; and Chambers Steam Fire Engine Company, No. 2. In his religious views he favors the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. As a citizen he is one of the valued members of the community, and is held in high esteem by all his acquaintances.
ESSE O. REID, a member of the firm of D. P. Reid & Brother, dealers in hay, grain and fertilizers, with place of business at Nos. 415-417 Church street, Norfolk, Virginia, was born in Northampton County, Virginia, August 19, 1866, and is a son of Victor and Ann W. Reid. His parents were natives of Northampton County.
Jesse O. Reid attended common schools in Surry County, and later William and Mary College, at Williamsburg. Virginia. He re- I
moved to Norfolk when he was a boy. in 1871. After leaving college, and at the age of 19 years, he engaged in the mercantile business, in which he has continued up to the present time. He became a partner in the firm of D. P. Reid & Brother, which is very well known in Nor- folk and Norfolk County.
Mr. Reid has been a member of the board of local improvement of Brambleton ward for three years, chairman of the street committee for two years, and a member of the fi- nance committee for two years. He is a member of the Select Council, and is now serv- ing his second term. He belongs to the Wood- men of the World. Mr. Reid is a business man of great promise, full of energy, and pos- sessed of modern ideas in regard to the man- agement of his affairs. He is well known among business men of Norfolk, and is highly esteemed by all.
ILLIAM TAYLOR, who has been a resident of Norfolk since 1829, has witnessed the wonderful growth of the city in that period. He was for many years engaged in black- sinithing but is now living in retirement, after a very active and successful business career. He was born in Powhatan County, Virginia, in 1813. and is a son of Jesse and Elizabethi Taylor.
Jesse Taylor was born in Virginia and al- ways followed the trade of a blacksmith, dying at about the age of 65 years. His wife was also a native of Virginia, and they reared seven children, of whom William is the only one now living.
William Taylor lived in Manchester. Vir- ginia, until 1829, when he moved to Norfolk and there attended school. He began the black- sinith business on Church street, in 1833. and carried it on in a highly successful manner until the evacuation of Norfolk during the Con- federate War, since which time he has not en-
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gaged in business enterprises, except that he has always dealt more or less in real estate, and now owns the building where he lives, the one adjoining, and also other property in the city. He was an old line Whig during the existence of that party, but never sought political prefer- ment.
February 14, 1834. MA. Taylor was united in marriage with Fanny Nimmo, of Princess Anne County, Virginia, and they reared six children, of whom one is now living,-Mrs. B. T. Bockover, of Norfolk. Mrs. Taylor died June 15, 1895, and Mr. Taylor took a second wife in the person of Mrs. Martha Balsom. He has three grandchildren : Horace P., Edward and Elizabeth Taylor. Religiously, Mr. Taylor has been an active member of Epworth Meth- odist Episcopal Church, South, for over 60 years, and has held many of its offices. He is a gentleman of wide acquaintance, and has numerous warm friends, who admire him for his many excellent traits of character.
ILLIAM LOWE HILLYER, a ris- ing young attorney of Norfolk. Norfolk County. Virginia, was born in San Francisco, California. in 1867. When he was a child his parents removed to Washington. D. C., where he was reared and educated. There he studied law, and was admitted to the bar in 1894. He practiced law in Washington until 1896, when he went to Newport News, Virginia, and there continued his practice.
Mr. Hillyer enlisted in the Fourth Regi- ment, Virginia Infantry, during the Spanish- American War, and was made a 2nd lieutenant, and afterward Ist lieutenant. He served for one year with the regiment, and afterward re- turned to his profession at Newport News. In the spring of 1901, he renioved to Norfolk. where he has since been engaged in practice. He has met with much success in his profes- sion, and is well known in legal circles. He CO
possesses much natural ability, is a fluent speak- er, and is a man of scholarly attainments. Al- though he has not resided long in Norfolk. he has made many firm friends, who have much confidence in his ability. He has a large prac- tice, which is steadily increasing. Mr. Hillyer is a member of the Board of Trade and Busi- ness Men's Association of Norfolk.
AMES H. SAMMONS, a prominent business man of Lambert's Point. Norfolk County. Virginia, whose por- trait is herewith shown, has quite re- cently leased his fine truck farm åt that place and at the present time is interested in the real estate business at Norfolk. Mr. Sammons was born May 10, 1840, upon the same farm which is his home to-day and upon which his entire life has been spent.
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