USA > Virginia > City of Norfolk > City of Norfolk > History of Norfolk County, Virginia and representative citizens, V.2 > Part 22
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Keeling Sammons. our subject's father, was born in Princess Anne County, Virginia. in 1810, and passed to his final rest in 1882. He turned his attention to farming early in life and supported himself and family by agricul- tural operations, and was at all times upright. industrious and progressive. He was joined- in marriage with Mrs. Mary Shumadine, whose birth took place in Norfolk County in 1802 and who survived her husband four years. Only one child blessed this union, James H., the subject of this biography.
James H. Sammons was educated in the public schools of his native place and early in life took up the same vocation as his father. that of truck farming. Being a man of more than ordinary ability and an indefatigable worker, he labored with the utmost zeal to im- prove his opportunities and has been very suc- cessful in his efforts. A short time ago he abandoned the hard manual labor connected with the farm and turned his attention to real- estate investments.
Mr. Sammons has been twice married. O:1 December 25, 1861, he was married to Marga-
.
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ret Ann Holland, a daughter of John and Sarah (Abdell) Holland. Mrs. Sammons was born at Lambert's Point, near Bowden's Ferry, and has two brothers. John and Edward, and four sisters, Amanda H .; Eliza J., who married J. F. Coleman, of Norfolk County; Sarah; and Martha Virginia, the wife of Thomas Harmon, of Lambert's Point. By this union Mr. Sam- mons had two children: Mary M., wife of James G. Simmons, a real estate dealer of Nor- folk, who has three children, Marion L., Eloise and Margaret S .; and Margaret L., widow of R. A. Saunders, residing in Norfolk who has one daughter, Elizabeth M. Mrs. Sammons died July 14, 1871. Mr. Sammons was again married September 15. 1874. to Mary Peyton. of Norfolk County; by this union there was one son, James Keeling, who died at the age of seven years.
In his political convictions Mr. Sammons is an ardent Democrat, and upholds the interests of his chosen party. The family worships at the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and holds a high position in social circles.
HARLES H. BLIVEN. a prominent and influential citizen of Berkley, is superintendent of the Berkley & South Norwalk Water & Electric' Light Company. He was born in Berkley. May 27, 1879, and is a son of Charles and Jessie V. ( Hope) Bliven.
Charles Bliven was born August 10, 1839, in New York State, where he attended the common schools. He served several years in the army during the Confederate War, and in 1865 located at Hampton, Virginia, where he operated a grist-mill and sawmill. He then moved to Norfolk and for a time was engaged in house building. He then built wharves and docks, and in 1893 founded the Berkley Water Works, upon the completion of which he be- came superintendent. He then embarked in business on a new pier adjoining the Berkley
ferry-landing, supplying coal and water to steamers and harbor craft on short notice. It is an excellent lay-up dock for its patrons, as it is opposite the central portion of the city of Norfolk, and near the business part of Berk- ley, in close proximity to first-class machine- shops and ship-chandlers' stores. In addition to a modernly equipped coal elevator and water supply station, the firm has a large warehouse and is prepared to take out and store large cargoes of all sorts, and to afford excellent shipping facilities for the business men of Berkley and the trucking interests of this sec- tion. December 18, 1866, Mr. Bliven was united in marriage, at Hampton. Virginia. to Jessie V. Hope, a native of Virginia, and a daughter of G. W. and S. A. Hope, both na- tives of Virginia. Six children blessed this union, as follows: George H., who resides in Greenville, South Carolina, where he is super- intendent of the electric light, electric railway, and gas and water companies, having married Minnie A. Durham, a native of Canada: M. Harvey, superintendent of the Norfolk County Water Company, who married Rena Heath, and resides in Norfolk : Sarah R. : Charles H., the subject of this sketch: Jessie A .. who is in the employ of the Norfolk & Southern Railroad Company; and William E., a student. Mr. Bliven died September 7, 1898, and in him Berkley lost one of its best citizens.
Charles H. Bliven attended Robert Gate- wood's school, at Norfolk. Virginia, and after completing his schooling worked for his father. He was then with Civil Engineer Phelps. and later clerked for the Berkley Coal & Ice Com- pany. He then helped in the construction of the Norfolk County Water Works, on which he continued for six months, or until their completion. He then accepted the position of superintendent of the Berkley & South Norfolk Water & Electric Light Company. April I, 1902, he took charge of the Norfolk County Water Company as superintendent, with office at 25th and Church streets, Norfolk. He is a stockholder in the People's Bank of Berkley,
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and is chairman of the Berkley Fire Depart- ment. He has ever had the progress of the city at heart, and has contributed both time and money to that end. He is a man of pleas- ing personality, and has many stanch friends throughout the county. Mr. Bliven is a mem- ber of the Baptist Church of Berkley, and be- longs to the Christian Endeavor Society of his church.
ARTIN W. BURK, who is engaged m in building, buying and selling houses in Norfolk, Norfolk Coun- ty, Virginia, was born in Germany, in 1831. He is a son of J. J. Burk, who came to America before the Con- federate War, and who manufactured saddlery, knapsacks, and various leather necessities for military use.
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bleton; one brick house on York street: five houses on Washington street; four on Goff street ; four on Holt street; and Io in Grigsby, Place. He opened Grigsby Place by erect- ing Io fine houses with pressed-brick fronts. In addition to building new houses, he has bought many old ones. and after re- modeling them. has sold them at a good profit. He owns two fine cottages at Occan View Beach. When he first began to build houses, he bought some land on Princess Anne Road, where he established a brick manufac- turing plant, using the brick in building his houses. Later he sold this plant. He is con- nected with many of the leading enterprises of Norfolk, and is one of that city's most pro- gressive citizens. He has done more than his share in assisting in the growth of the city, and is held in high esteem by all who come in contact with him.
Mr. Burk married Louisa T. Trudewind, whose death occurred in 1892. Three chil- dren, who resulted from this union, are living, namely : William H., of the firm of Ames & Burk, piano dealers : Carrie, who married W. H. Hyslop; and Emma, who married T. J. Carey. Martin W. Burk learned the saddlery business under his father while in Germany, and in 1855 started for the United States, making for the port of Baltimore, Maryland. They were kept from landing for three months on account of yellow fever in that city. A year later they came to Norfolk, where Mr. Burk remained one year. He then went to Eliza- beth City, North Carolina, where he opened a saddlery store. In this he was very successful, APT. RICHARD B. BOAZ, who is captain of the steamer "Hamilton." which is owned by the Old Domin- ion Steamship Company, was born in Prince George County. Virginia, receiving large contracts for military work during the war. He employed 62 men to as- sist him, and did an enormous business. At the close of the war, he went to Norfolk, where he entered the drygoods, shoe and notion busi- | January 20, 1843. He is a son of John and ness, his store being located where C. D. | Clara (Gilbert) Boaz. John Boaz was born in Scarboroughi, England, and his wife was born in Chesterfield County, Virginia. He was a master mariner and followed a seafaring life until his death, which occurred at the age of 65 years. His wife died, aged 57 years. They had but one child .- Richard B.,-whose name heads this sketch.
Kenny's tea store now stands. In 1869. he sold out his drygoods store, and opened a con- fectioner's store, which he conducted for II years. He sold out that business to engage in buying, selling and building houses. The first home he erected was a double house on Churchi street, and since that he has erected many buildings. He built the Charlotte business Richard B. Boaz grew to manhood in Ches- terfield County, Virginia, He received his block on Main street, five modern brick houses on Cumber street, four brick houses in Bram- , schooling at City Point, Virginia, and at the
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early age of 14 years began his seafaring life. His first work was as boy on deck, and from that position he has worked his way to the top, filling the various positions up to that of master. He has sailed all over the Atlantic, and has had charge of many vessels. He be- gan service in the employ of the Old Dominion Steamship Company in 1867, his first command being the old "Hatteras." He left the employ of that company for a few years, but resumed his connection in 1873. He is one of the old- est employees of that company. He has had command of the "Hatteras," "Breakwater," "Brighton," "Roanoke." "Guvandotte," "Man- hattan," "Jamestown," "Princess Anne' and his present vessel. the "Hamilton." This ves- sel he has commanded since January, 1900. It is a fine vessel. and Captain Boaz is an excellent navigator. He has been very successful in his sea career, and is a man of genial. pleasant per- sonality.
Captain Boaz married Mrs. Hughes, who was formerly Louisa Merchant. She has three children .- Alfred S .; Mary L .: and Agnes. Captain Boaz is a member of the A. F. & A. M.
A NTONIO J. SMITH, a very prom- ising young attorney-at-law, residing at Norfolk, Virginia, was admitted to the bar in Norfolk County and has been practicing since the spring of 1900. He is winning hosts of friends, and bids fair to become one of the leading lawyers of his community. He is a son of Peter Smith, well known as one of Norfolk's leading dry goods merchants, as well as a reliable citi- zen, and is a brother of the late Peter X. Smith. who will long be remembered as one of Nor- folk's distinguished attorneys.
Peter X. Smith spent his early life in Nor- folk, Virginia, attending the public schools for some time, and striving most diligently for his education. After completing the course given in a preparatory school, he entered Georgetown University, and graduated with the degrees
of Master of Arts and Master of Laws. From that time on he practiced with great success in Norfolk, and built up the most lucrative prac- tive then enjoyed by any lawyer in that city. He was closely identified with many enterprises which have added to the growth and wealth of the city and given it prestige as a thriving business center. In a short time he was fam- ous for his talent and eloquence, and was an efficient master of chancery until his death in February, 1896. In losing Mr. Smith, Nor- folk lost not only an esteemed and respected citizen, but one who had mastered all he had striven to attain, one who never faltered in the path of duty, and one greatly interested in much of the business life of the city. He held a number of offices, such as director in the Norfolk Bank for Savings & Trusts. and was a niember of the Business Men's Association, in which he was very popular.
The subject of this sketch was a native cf Norfolk, and first saw the light of day in 1876. His boyhood days were happily spent in attend- ing school in his native city. where he improved every opportunity for securing all the education possible. He entered Georgetown University after his primary study was finished, and tock a classical course, graduating in 1896. About this time he chose law for his profession and re-entered Georgetown University, to prepare himself for his life work. In 1898, he received the degree of Bachelor of Laws and in 1899 the degree of Master of Laws. He then re- turned to Norfolk, and made that city his home. He was fortunate in his efforts to se- cure a foothold there, and after a time was ap- pointed or commissioned deputy clerk of the Court of Law and Chancery.
RANK H. MILLER is engaged in the real estate, loan and insurance business in Portsmouth, Norfolk . County. Virginia. He was born in Virginia, and was reared on his fa- thier's farm.
L.
DEVEREUX W. WARREN.
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Mr. Miller is a self-made man, having re- ceived but a limited education and having started out in life without capital. At the age of 17 years he came to Norfolk County. where he became a collector for a firm at $5 per week. He later moved to Portsmouth, where he was employed by John Crawford for six years and five months. He spent several months in New York City at one time. where he was engaged as clerk for the Adams Ex- press Company. After leaving the employ of Mr. Crawford he started into business for himself, and has occupied his present office for the past six years. Upon entering this line, he rented a room in a private house, at No. 612 Columbia street, where he conducted business for some time. As his patronage in- creased rapidly. he was soon compelled to find larger quarters, and he is now located at No. 612 Middle street. He established his present business in 1893, and he is now one of the largest dealers of the kind in Ports- mouth. He handles large land deals, but has always been independent in his ventures, hav- ing never been connected with any of the large land companies. Hle employs three clerks to assist him in his work, and they are kept con- stantly busy. He represents the National. Pennsylvania and Philadelphia Underwriters fire insurance companies. Persevering and self-reliant, he has worked himself to the top. and no man in Portsmouth has more cause to be proud of his success than has Mr. Miller. He began, as before stated. without capital. but each day he devoted himself to his work with renewed energy and a determination to succeed. He is now one of the leading busi- ness men of Portsmouth.
Mr. Miller was united in marriage with Effie Clark, of Washington, in 1888. Her father is buried in that city. having died about 30 years ago. He was a contractor and builder. After his death her mother removed with her two daughters to Norfolk County. Virginia. Mrs. Miller's sister married V. B. Stuyvesant, of Richmond, Virginia. To Mr.
Miller and his wife have been born five chil- dren, namely: Howard: Crawford: Frank; Effie ; and Margaret. J. D. Miller. a brother of Mr. Miller, is a prosperous harness and carriage dealer, having places of business at Hampton and Newport News, Virginia.
The subject of this sketch has been active in Democratic politics for the past two years. Socially, he is a member of the Royal Ar- canum: I. O. O. F .: B. P. O. E .; and Chambers Steam Engine Fire Company, No. 2. He is a Methodist in religious preferences.
MEVEREUX W. WARREN, one of Norfolk's prominent business men, whose portrait accompanies this sketch. is engaged in business at No. 105 Commercial Place, where he han- dles seeds of all kinds. He was born in North- ampton County. Virginia, and is a son of Thomas P. Warren.
Thomas P. Warren was also a native of Northampton County. Virginia, and when a young man came to Norfolk, where he first taught school. Later he was clerk for some years for Borum & McClean. dealers in agri- cultural implements, after which he and C. Billups purchased the agricultural implement business of S. March, taking John J. Wood- house in as partner. They carried on an ex- tensive business for many years and when C. Billups sold his interest. Mr. Woodhouse be- came equal partner with Mr. Warren and con- tinued the business until 1869. At that time but little trucking was done in Norfolk Coun- ty and Warren & Woodhouse carried but a small stock in seeds. Mr. Warren persuaded the trucksters to raise spinach, which they found to be a success, so much so that they shipped it to Northern markets. After that the firm handled grains and seeds of all sorts, and were very successful in selling then. Mr. Warren, who was succeeded in business by his son in 1869, lived to reach the age of 74 years, dying in 1895.
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Devereux W. Warren was two years of age when brought from Northampton - Coun- ty to Norfolk, where he received his education. He clerked in a grocery and also in a clothing store for a number of years, and also clerked for his father until the latter's retirement. Thus he gained much practical experience in his line of business, and that, together with energy and a determination to succeed, has been the secret of his success. His ex- perience has proved that spinach is one of the most profitable crops grown in the South, much of it being shipped North. The fall pea crop has also found a ready market of late. Mr. Warren handles both home and foreign products, and his knowledge of seeds is un- disputed. His store was located first on Roan- oke Square, later on Roanoke avenue, and in 1892 was removed to its present location. No. 105 Commercial Place. Mr. Warren pos- sesses much good business ability, sound judg- ment and energy, and his method in dealing with customers is honest and above criticism. He is one of Norfolk's progressive citizens.
EORGE DONIPHAN PARKER. Jr., a member of the firm of George D. Parker & Son, attorneys-at-law in Berkley, Norfolk County, Virginia, was born in Berkley in 1870. He is son of George Doniphan Parker, Sr., and Ur- banna Howey, his wife, the former a native of Missouri, and the latter, of North Carolina.
George Doniphan Parker, Sr .. settled in Portsmouth, Norfolk County, in 1867, and one year later removed to Berkley. He served in the Confederate War, being captain of his com- pany, under Colonel Lamb, commanding the regiment. He began the practice of law in Berkley, in 1870, and has served as county judge and commonwealth's attorney. He has also been a presidential clector. He has always been identfiied with the growth and develop- ment of Berkley, and gives his assistance to
every worthy public enterprise which is for the good of the community. He married Urbanna. Howey, a native of North Carolina, and this union was blessed by the birth of four children, namely: Thomas H., deceased, who was a civil engineer; Mary A .. deceased; George Doniphan, Jr .. the subject of this sketch; and William H., deceased. Mr. Parker and his wife are members of the Protestant Episcopal Church.
George Doniphan Parker, Jr., attended the public schools in Norfolk County, and also a private school in Fauquier County for one vear. He then entered Randolph-Macon Col- lege, where he remained for three and a half years. After his course at that institution he entered the employ of the Norfolk & Southern Railroad Company, and continued thus for three bars. He then entered the law depart- inent of Washington and Lee College, where he graduated in June, 1892. He was ad- mitted to the bar the month following, and immediately began the practice of his pro- fession. He entered into partnership with his father, the firm name reading George D. Park- er & Son. They had offices in Berkley and in Portsmouth for one year, but abandoned the Portsmouth office on account of the father's sickness. They practice in all the courts of the State, -- civil, criminal and maritime. This firm has become very well known, and they have a large clientage. Both gentlemen are lawyers of much ability, having won recogni- tion throughout the country.
ICHOLAS C. PAMPLIN, who has been one of the substantial citi- zens of Norfolk. . Virginia, for the past 27 years, is manager of the Western Union Telegraph Com- pany's office in that city.
Mr. Pamplin was born in Appomattox County, Virginia, and was reared and educated in the town of Pamplin. He learned telegraphy
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at the age of 20 years, in Pamplin, Virginia, in 1862, and thereafter went to Richmond, Vir- ginia, where he served during the most stirring part of the Confederate War. As a telegraphicr, he rendered valuable service to the cause of the Confederacy. He subsequently served one ycar in Georgia, and from: September, 1865, to August. 1866, was located at St. Louis, Mis- souri. He then returned to Virginia, and was located in the city of Richmond until January, 1875, when he removed to Norfolk to accept his present position as manager of the Western Union Telegraph Company's office there. At that time there were four instuments in oper- ation, two operators, one clerk, four messen- gers and one lineman. At the present time there are 33 instruments, 17 operators, seven clerks and four linemen, with an average of 60 miles each. Many of the wires now used as duplexed and quadruplexed, thus greatly in- creasing the carrying capacity. There are two duplexed wires direct to New York City. When Mr. Pamplin first assumed charge of the local office, it was located in the Dodd Build- ing. formerly occupied by John Dodd's tailor shop. In October, 1899, it was removed to the present handsome quarters in the Dodson Building, at No. 185 Main street. where the Citizens' Bank was formerly located. Mr. Pamplin served one term in the City Council of Norfolk. He has always evinced a deep in- terest in public affairs ; he has served 16 years as a member of the School Board, and is now a member of the city health department.
DOLPH MICHIELSOHN, during his six years' residence in Norfolk, Vir- ginia, has attracted much attention as a lawyer and counselor and com- mands a large practice.
Mr. Michelsohn is a native of Germany, where he was educated, studied law and ad- mitted to practice. He came to the United States and landed at Baltimore, Maryland.
where he practiced his profession with a marked degree of success until 1896, when he located in Norfolk. His superior knowledge of the fundamental principles of procedure, and his ability as a counselor soon became ap- parent. As a natural consequence his prac- tice increased and now extends over Eastern Virginia and the northern portion of North Carolina. He makes a specialty of assign- ment cases. His office is in the Talbot Build- ing on Main street. Apart from his profes- sion, he takes an active interest in the progress and advancement of Norfolk.
Mr. Michelsohn is prominently identified with a number of fraternal organizations. among them, the Independent Order of Old Fellows. He is a stockholder in the National Bank of Commerce, and is connected with various business firms.
S. SPRATLEY, one of the most esteemed residents of the city of Norfolk, Virginia. and vicc-presi- dent of the Merchants & Mechan- ics' Bank of that city. was born in Norfolk, October 31, 1820. He is a son of Joseph Spratley.
The subject of this biography was reared in Norfolk, where he learned the trade of a gunsmith with his father, and succeeded lim in business. He conducted a general gun and repair store. Later, with his brother, hie de- voted his attention to agricultural pursuits, and for 20 years owned what is now known as the City Park. This formerly consisted of 75 acres of land, and was purchased from Mrs. Seymour. Mr. Spratley raised all kinds of vegetables, for which he found a ready market in Norfolk. He sold his farm and removed to Norfolk, where he has since resided. In IS57. he was one of the reorganizers of the Merchants' & Mechanics' Bank, the only or- ganization of the kind now doing business in Norfolk which withstood the Confederate
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War. In 1853, with Elisha Gammage as its first president, there were stockholders, but three of whom are living. They are: J. E. Barry ; John C. Sheppard, of Princess Anne County : and W. S. Spratley. The Jast pamed gentleman is the only one now directly con- nected with the management of the bank. Mr. Spratley was made vice-president of the insti- tution January 1, 1897.
In 1850, Mr. Spratley married Mary J. De- laney, and to them were born seven children. as follows: James H. and William D., both farmers; Richmond; Eliza C. (Cooper) ; Ella ( Holland) ; Mary: and Joseph R. The four last named are deceased. Mr. Spratley has watched with interest the progress and growth of Norfolk County: and has always been one of Norfolk's most influential citizens. entering into any enterprise which was for the good of the community . He is well known and highly esteemed in the city.
OHN JAY WARREN. a prominent citizen of Portsmouth, Virginia, is secretary and treasurer of the Ports- mouth Gas Company. He was born in Norfolk County. Virginia, and is a son of John Jay Warren, Sr., who died in 1896. John Jay Warren, Sr., was born on the old family homestead, about 10 miles from Lake Drummond. and three miles from the present town of Wallaceton. His father was also born on this property, which was established by the latter's father, who came from Halifax County, North Carolina, about the close of the Revolu- tionary War. John Jay Warren, Sr .. married a daughter of Franklin Lynch. also a native of Norfolk County .. Her mother was a daugh- ter of Captain Grimes. This union re- sulted in the following offspring: John J .. the subject of this sketch ; Franklin T., a druggist of Portsmouth; E. Claude of Portsmouth : M. D. ; L. A. : and Ralph A. Mr. Warren had previously married a Miss Charlton, by whom
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