USA > Virginia > City of Norfolk > City of Norfolk > History of Norfolk County, Virginia and representative citizens, V.2 > Part 24
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The holocaust of the Richmond Theatre in 1814 came near resulting seriously to two members of this family, Jane and Nancy Pritchard, who were attending that night the play of "Raymond: or Agnes, the Bleeding Nun.'
Jane Pritchard married Captain Rodbird. and went with him to live at his New England home at Bath, Maine.
Nancy Pritchard went to England to look up the estate of the family and to become ac- quainted with some of her Welsh kinsfolk. She returned bearing testimonials of their affection, and afterward became the wife of Christopher Roberts, then collector of cus- toms for the port of Richmond.
Sidney Pritchard, grandmother of our sub- ject, owned a large estate in Chesterfield County, Virginia, running through which was the Clover Hill coal-fields, famous in after years for their enormous yields of bituminous coal.
Paternally, Joseph LaVille Young is of French Huguenot stock, his great-grand- father coming from France to this country. The grandfather, who was born in Maryland, after growing to manhood went to Hanover County, Virginia, and engaged in the lumber . business. He there married a Miss Barker.
The father of the subject of this biography was John La Ville Young, who was born at the "Slashes," now known as Ashland, in Hanover County, Virginia, September I, 1805, and at an early age removed to Ches- terfield County, Virginia. On March 15, 1827, he married Mary Anne Shoemaker,
daughter of Mahlon Shoemaker and Sidney Pritchard, his wife ( the latter of "Warwick on the James"). He engaged in school teach- ing until 1828, when he was called to the com- inand of one of the first steamers that ran on the James River. In 183t he was captain and part owner of the steamer "Comet." plying on the Appomattox and James Rivers. He fol- lowed steamboating until his death in 1843, at the age of 38 years.
Of the children born to John LaVille Young and Mary Anne Shoemaker, his wife. were: William Sidney. John Mahlon, Joseph La Ville, George Shoemaker. Mary Anna and Charles Pritchard. The third child (Joseph La Ville). the subject of this sketch, at 13 years of age, entered the office of the Richmond Eu- quirer, then owned and edited by William F. and Thomas Ritchie, sons of the distinguished Thomas Ritchie, who launched this influential journal in 1804. Here Mr. Young remained until 1852, when his career as an all-round newspaper man began. In the 26 years of his journalistic life, he has served in every ca- pacity pertaining to the profession, from "printer's devil" through the composing and press rooms, the news department, reportorial chair, up to editor-in-chief. Then for many years he engaged in clerical work, and now holds the position of writer in the Norfolk Navy Yard. He came to Portsmouth April 29, 1865, just after the close of the Confed- erate War.
During the war between the States he was a member of Maj. Richard F. Walker's bat- talion. which formed a part of Colone! Evans' regiment of State troops. Although on de- tached duty as manager of the composing room of the Richmond Enquirer, which was the proclaimed organ of the Confederate States government, whenever the city was thought to be endangered or the services of his command needed. he was ever with it.
His graphic accounts of life at the Confed- crate Capital during the darkest days of the short-lived nation have attracted much atten-
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tion. Among these are a thrilling account of "the evacuation of Richmond." "Blockade running and its perils., during the war, etc., which may yet be revised and given in book form to the public.
Mr. Young married Carrie Elethia, the only daughter of James Sivells and Jennette B. Richardson. Mr. Richardson was a prominent citizen of Norfolk County, and well known as one of the most successful men of his day. He was the Seaboard & Roanoke Railroad's first superintendent of construction and afterward a thrifty merchant, wharf builder and farmer. By this marriage eight children were born : Carrie E. (deceased), James LaVille (de- ceased ), May Jennette, Irene Rodbird, Joseph La Ville, Linda Olive, Charles Pritchard and William Allegree.
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EROME P. CARR, proprietor of the Pythian Castle Drug Store, which is by far the finest of any of its kind in the city of Portsmouth, Virginia, has been actively engaged in the drug business for a number of years, and by untir- ing energy and honest methods, together with his superior skill and care. in correctly filling prescriptions, has built up a paying business and ranks among the substantial citizens of that prosperous city.
'Mr. Carr is a native of the city which is still his home, having been born at the old fam- ily residence on the corner of County and Effingham streets, where the Carr family has continued to reside for more than half a century. He is a son of George and Laura A. ( Williams) Carr, and grandson of Jesse Carr, for whom the town of Carrsville, Vir- ginia, was named, and whose death occurred at that place.
George Carr was a native of Isle of Wight County, Virginia, which was also the home of his ancestors. He followed railroading for many years, being a competent locomotive en-
gineer on the Seaboard Air Line Railway. with headquarters at Portsmouth. where he located in 1855. and made that city his home until cut off by death in 1875. He had one brother. Jesse L. H. Carr, who also located in the same city but has been deceased for many years.
The widow of George Carr is still living in Portsmouth. Her family consisted of five children, four of whom reached maturity, as follows: Mrs. Laura King, widow of J. Dan- forth King. of Portsmouth: Jerome P .. the subject of this brief biography; Hope: and George H., a prominent physician of Ports- mouth.
Jerome P. Carr attended the public schools until he attained the age of 15 years. and then entered the drug store of G. A. Krieger, with whom he remained for three years. During this time he studied diligently. and being an apt scholar learned much of the business. He attended the examination before the State Board of Pharmacy, which he suc- cessfully passed at the early age of 17 years. and became a registered pharmacist. The fol- lowing year he went into business for himself. establishing a drug store at the corner of Bart and Green streets. His business flourished and in a short time he built a more commedi- cus building on Green street, directly opposite his present place of business, and carried on a very successful business at that stand for five years. February 1, 1898, another drug store was opened by him in the Pythian Castle. where he conducted the only wholesale and re- tail drug store in the city. Both stores were operated for some time, but quite recently the old store was closed out, and Mr. Carr gives his whole time and attention to the business in the Pythian Castle. He carries a full line of drugs and such accessory articles as are to be found in well-appointed drug stores. and em- ploys three clerks and a porter.
Mr. Carr was united in marriage with Martha F. Womble, a daughter of J. G. Well- ble, who was formerly of Raleigh, North Caro-
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HARDY DUKE.
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lina, but who resided in Norfolk County for many years, being prominently identified with its progress. He was a retired hardware mer- chant, and was also president of the Norfolk National Bank, and a director in several other institutions of note. He served as a member of the City Council of Norfolk. Mr. Carr and his worthy wife attend the Methodist Episco- pal Church, South.
By industry and frugality the subject of this sketch has built up a large and exceed- ingly profitable business, and has shown a very enterprising spirit. He has at all times mani- fested a fitting interest in the welfare and ad- vancement of Portsmouth, and stands among her foremost citizens.
ARDY DUKE, conspicuous among the many truck farmers of Norfolk Coun- ty, Virginia, is a man of great energy and activity, and thoroughly awake to the interests of his business and the welfare of his county. The farms which he owns and oversees comprise 235 acres on the western branch of the Elizabeth River. the Grimes farm, the old Fox Hall farm and the Bridge farm. He employs quite a number of hands to assist him in the work of truck farming." In winter he has work for about 12 ' to all. hands and in the summer season when work is much heavier. he employs from 20 to 100 hands, a force wliich in itself denotes the suc- cess of his business.
Mr. Duke is a native of Nansemond Coun- ty, Virginia, and was born March 28. 1832 He is a son of Whitman and Susan Duke, also na- tives of Nansemond County. and is one of II children born to them. He and his brother. Henry, are now the only survivors of the once large family. Whitman Duke was a large land- owner. possessing many fine farms, which were cultivated by his slaves.
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Norfolk County, where he soon became over- seer on the farm of Capt. John Wise. There he contracted yellow fever; on recovering he returned to his home in Nansemond County. and remained a year. In 1859, however, he again caine to Norfolk County, and in 1862. during the Confederate War. he went to Suf- folk, Virginia, and enlisted in the 13th Reg- ular Virginia Cavalry, and served faithfully and bravely until the end of the conflict. His was hard service: at Hanover, Pennsylvania. his horse was shot from under him. At the close of the war. he was held as a prisoner, but was finally released and discharged at Suffolk. At that time he was sick and went immediately to his home, where he gradually recovered his usual good health.
Mr. Duke. after his recuperation. again set out for Norfolk County, and worked for one year under Richard Cox, the "Father of Truck- ers." He then became interested in the firm of Wise & Curran, with whom he assumed the duties of a position, and remained with them for three years. He rented one-half of the Love farm and found employment as a farmer for the following three years. Then he pur- chased 73 acres of his present large farm of 255 acres. Thus he made his beginning and from that time on his success has been apparent
On December 26, 1867. Mr. Duke was united in marriage with Margaret Raby, who was born in Nansemond County, March 31. 1840, and is a daughter of Abram and Cather- ine Raby. Mrs. Raby is a native of Nanse- mond County, and she and her husband reared three children. namely: Robert, Margaret, and Richard L. The subject of this sketch and his worthy wife have had four children, namely : Charles L., who was born December II. 1868. and whose death occurred September 22. 1872: Maggie R., born November 6. 1872 : Harry R . who was born November 21. 1877. and died May 4, 1878; and W. H., whose birth occurred September 26, 1878, and who is now a willing
Hardy Duke's early life was spent on one of his father's farms, but, in 1855, when he had arrived at the age of 21 years, he came to , and useful assistant on the home farm.
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The family are members of the Churchland Baptist Church. Fraternally, Mr. Duke is prominent as a member of the Masonic organi- zation. Politically, he is an ardent Democrat, always ready to be of service to his party. His portrait accompanies this sketch.
SCAR VINCENT SMITH, deceased, was born May 1, 1843. in Gooch- land County, Virginia, and was a son of Capt. William C. and Martha Elizabeth (Courtney) Smith.
Capt. William C. Smith was born in Rich- mond, Virginia. At the close of the Confed- erate War, in which he participated, he became superintendent of the old Bay line of steani- ers and served in that capacity until his death, in 1880. He was united in marriage with Martha Elizabeth Courtney, who was born near Richmond, Virginia, in which city she now resides, at the advanced age of 83 years. She comes of a fine old Virginia family. Cap- tain and Mrs. Smith had six children,-four daughters and two sons. One daughter- Sarah Campbell Smith,-married Lieut .- Col. William Frederick Niemeyer, who was born at Portsmouth, and was attending the United States Military Academy at West Point when the Intersectional War broke out. He left within a month of graduation to join the Con- federate Army, and was killed in the battle of Spottsylvania, at the age of 21 years, having on that day been promoted to the rank of briga- dier-general. An account of his life may be found. in Chapter XXVIII of this work. He . had one son, John Frederick, who lives at Richmond, Virginia. Mrs. Niemeyer lived at Portsmouth, Virginia. for many years, but moved to Richmond, where she died in 1901.
Oscar Vincent Smith was educated at Richmond College, and in 1860 or 1861 took up railroading with the Seaboard Air Line Railway. Soon after the outbreak of the Con- federate War he joined the 3rd Richmond
Howitzers, Artillery, of which he was later an officer. He served through the entire war and was at the surrender at Appomattox Court House. He returned to Portsmouth in the fall of 1865, and resumed work with the Seaboard Air Line Railway. He was made assistant superintendent, and at the time of his death, -- February 7, 1894,-was general traffic manager of the system. He was con- nected with many business enterprises of the city, in whose welfare he was always deeply interested. He was a strong Y. M. C. A. worker, and for 12 years was a member of the board of education, of which he was president for a period of four years. He was a mem- ber of Stonewall Camp. Confederate Veterans. the Royal Arcamim, and the Independent Or- der of Odd Fellows, and belonged to the Busi- ness Men's Association of Norfolk. He was well known in transportation circles, and was a prominent and respected citizen of Ports- mouth. He was an earnest Christian and a member of Trinity Protestant Episcopal Church, under which he is buried. A font to his memory was placed in the church by his widow. It was designed by Stent, of New York, and made in Italy, of Carrara marble, representing an angel gracefully bending on one knee, with uplifted hands. on which rests a shell-shaped basin, holding baptismal water. The whole figure is about seven feet high. and rests on a base of marble. 21/2 by 51/2 feet in size, with this simple inscription on the top: "To the memory of Oscar Vincent Smith. May 1, 1843 ; February 7. 1894." Mr. Smith was very actively interested in securing the erection of the Confederate monument on Court street, near High street. Portsmouth.
January 10, 1867, Mr. Smith married An- nie Theodosia Cocke, who was born on June 16, 1847. in Norfolk County. on the family homestead called "Paradise." located on Para- dise Creek, five or six miles from Portsmouth : the property now belongs to the Portsmouth Land Company. Mrs. Smith is a daughter of Charles Leonard and Ann Roe (Cowper)
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Cocke. Her paternal grandfather was Col. Richard Cocke, of Shoal Bay, James River. Charles Leonard Cocke was born at Shoal Bay, on the James River, but came to Ports- mouth as a young man, and was engaged in mercantile pursuits many years. He was post- master at the time of his death, in August, 1854. His wife died in August, 1855. at the age of 53 years. Mrs. Cocke was born at Hampton, Virginia, and was a daughter of Capt. John and Susan Barron Cowper, her fa- ther being in the United States Navy. Mr. and Mrs. Cocke had nine children, four of whom lived to maturity, and those now living, in addition to Mrs. Smith, are, --- Mrs. John Emmerson and Judge Charles L. Cocke, re- siding in Sussex County. Virginia. Oscar Vincent Smith and his faithful wife became the parents of two children, namely: Eliza- beth Courtney, wife of Lieut. Kenneth McAl- pine, of the United States Navy, now located at the Norfolk Navy Yard, who served on the battle-ship "Texas" during the Spanish- American War and was engaged in the battie of Santiago; and Oscar Emmerson, who mar- ried Martha Gatewood. of West Point, Vir- ginia, and lives in Portsmouth. Religiously, Mrs. Smith is an Episcopalian. as was her husband. The family home has been at No. 402 Court street for many years. Mrs. Smith is a woman of many fine traits and has numer- ous friends throughout this locality.
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JEORGE A. FRICK. a popular at- torney-at-law of Norfolk, Virginia. is largely interested in the develop- ment of the city and vicinity, being secretary of the Virginia Beach De- velopment Company, with offices at No. 407. in the Citizens' Bank Building.
The Virginia Beach Development Com- pany was formed in 1900, by A. M. Jordan. James S. Groves. C. E. Lent and George . 1. Frick. Mr. Jordan was elected president :
Mr. Groves, vice-president and manager; Mr. Lent, treasurer; and Mr. Frick, secretary and attorney. This company purchased about 1,500 acres of land in Princess Anne County, Virginia, from the Norfolk, Virginia Beach & Southern Railroad Company. This tract was known as Virginia Beach, and being immedi- ately laid out in building lots and otherwise improved. makes a very desirable location for permanent homes. It is located 18 miles from the city of Norfolk,-a 25 minutes ride,-10 trains being run daily. The climate is all that could be desired. the close proximity of the Gulf Stream makes the winters mild and genial, and as a summer resort it is unequaled by any other place on the Atlantic coast. The cecan breeze tempers the air along the lovely driveways for miles on a hard beach or on a shell road amidst pine trees, where the air is redolent with the perfume of beautiful South- ern flowers and fragrant with the odor of the pines.
As a bathing resort Virginia Beach is un- surpassed along the eastern coast. and unless the winter season proves particularly inclem- ent, salt water bathing is indulged in the year round. The conveniences and accommoda- tions of the Princess Anne Hotel. which is both beautiful and modern in design. together with many available cottages, have done mitch to popularize the place, and boating. fishing, shooting, golf, etc., are among the many pastimes which cause the seasons to pass rap- idly in this lovely place. In addition to these. many fine building lots have been sold, and handsome residences have been built thereon for permanent homes. The coming season will witness the erection of several more fine. modern cottages, the plans having been already drawn. As secretary, Mr. Frick has de- voted much of his time and energy to further- ing the success of this enterprise.
Mr. Frick is a native of Baltimore, Mary- land, where he grew to manhood and attended various schools. He subsequently entered St. John's College at Annapolis, from which le
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graduated in 1880. He was then engaged in teaching for a couple of years, during which time he also studied law. Later he was ad- mitted to the bar, and in 1887 went to Shelby, North Carolina, where he was engaged in the practice of his chosen profession until Novem- ber 11, 1897, when he located in Norfolk, Vir- ginia. After practicing law in that city for a short time he became associated with J. F. Duncan. and together they carried on a general law practice, acting also as corporation law- yers. This firm did a very successful business until 1900, when it was dissolved by mutual consent, and since then Mr. Frick has prac- ticed alone. He is counselor and advisor for several corporations of Norfolk, is attorney for the Chautauqua-by-the-Sea Assembly, and the Atlantic Light & Water Company, which furnishes light and water for Virginia Beach. He is also advisor for the Southern Amuse- ment Company, of Virginia Beach.
Mr. Frick has taken an unusual interest in the welfare and development ot Norfolk and is looked upon as one of her most progressive citizens.
EORGE T. POWELL, captain of the tug-boat "Helen," at Newport News. Virginia, is an expert seaman and experienced navigator, having spent many years as a mariner, the first years of his nautical career having been passed on sailing vessels alone.
Mr. Powell was born in Mathews County, Virginia, December 26, 1866, both of his parents being natives of the same county. He is a son of John B. Powell. who has also fol- lowed the life of a mariner. He was a mem- ber of the Baptist Church. His wife, whose maiden name was Bettie Marchant, passed to her rest when George T. was about three years old, leaving five children, as follows: Edward E., of Texas; Napoleon B., of Middlesex County, Virginia; George T., to whom this biography is devoted; John, who is deceased :
and Jane, the wife of Ellis S. Dunton, of Lan- caster County, Virginia. It is a remarkable coincidence that these sons all followed in the footsteps of their father and chose a life on the water, while the daughter married a man who was also a mariner.
George T. Powell was united in marriage with Josephine Gray, a daughter of Edward and Zura Gray, the ceremony being performed April 28, 1892. Mrs. Powell is a native of Norfolk County. Two children blessed this union, namely: William T., born in May, 1893; and Susan J., born in June, 1895. The family are somewhat divided in religious opinion, the Captain being a Baptist and his wife a Methodist.
Captain Powell obtained his mental train- ing in the public schools of Mathews County. where he studied diligently during his early youth. Six months after leaving school he began his maritime career, first working in the capacity of cook on small sailing vessels and afterward becoming a mate. When but 17 years old he was the proud owner of a sloop. the "Edwin." then used in oyster fishing. which business Captain Powell filled for a period of eight years. In 1884 he took charge of the pungy known as the "Flying Arrow." About a year later he began steamboating, and worked first on the tug "Kate Cannon" as cook, which position he filled for two years and some months. He subsequently served nine months as mate on the "Sam Johnson," captain of the "Maid of the Mist." and later captain of the "Baby." The following six years were spent in the employ of the Cannon firm on Lambert's Point, as captain, after which he served three years with Captain Fitchett, as mate, and 10 months on the tug "Portsmouth," of the New York, Philadelphia & Norfolk line. For the past five years Cap- tain Powell has been in the employ of the Chesapeake & Ohio line, at Newport News. as captain of several of its vessels, being at the present time in command of the tugboat "Helen," as before mentioned.
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Captain Powell is a member of Atlantic Council. Junior Order of United American Mechanics, and of Harbor No. 9. Association of Masters & Pilots of Steam Vessels of the United States. He affiliates also with Atlan- tic Lodge, No. 51, I. O. O. F., and Massa- soit Tribe, No. 77, 1. O. R. M.
h UGH GORDON MILLER. a brilliant young attorney-at-law of Norfolk, Virginia, whose portrait appears on the opposite page, has had a meteoric career in the field of national politics, being well known and frequently entertained in most of the large cities of the United States.
Mr. Miller was born in Norfolk, March 2, 1875, and is a son of M. S. and Fannie Vir- ginia (Harrison) Miller. of North Carolina. His . ancestors were Scotch-Irish, and on his mother's side he is descended directly from the Gordon clan of Scotland so celebrated in history. He was a mere youth when . he removed to Princess Anne County, Vir- ginia, with his parents, and there resided for several years. He returned to Nor- folk in 1882. after taking a course of study under a, private instructor. A few years later he entered the law office of George McIn- tosh and for two years pursued the study of law. While Judge Brooke was on the beach, he appointed Mr. Miller deputy clerk of the courts and assigned him to duty in the Cor- poration Court, where he was given charge of the court proceedings. Judge Hanckel was elected to succeed Judge Brooke, and Mr. Mil- ler was continued in his old position. March 20, 1896. he was admitted to the bar in Nor- folk, and at once resigned the office of deputy clerk of court and entered upon the active prac- tice of his profession, since which time he has been alinost constantly engaged in important litigation. As a trial lawyer he has been espe- cially successful. In 1896. he received the nomination of the Reform party, which was
then in power, for the office of city attorney, but declined it. At the November term, 1898, he was admitted to practice before the Supreme Court of the United States by special order of the court, being perhaps the youngest advocate who ever appeared before that august tribunal, and in the argument of the Anderson habeas corpus case the United States Supreme Court by unanimous consent extended the usual time allowed an advocate in order that he might conclude his argument in the case. He is also probably the youngest man ever so honored by that body.
Members of the Supreme Court and De- partment of Justice have since pronounced Mr. Miller's argument on that occasion a notable effort. His reputation as an orator goes be- vond local lines, and his name has frequently been mentioned in connection with the Repub- lican nomination for Congress. He has al- ways taken an active part in political affairs, being independent localiy and a Republican on national issues. One of Mr. Miller's most notable speeches was made for the Reform ele- ment of the "City Administration," at the Academy of Music in Norfolk on April IL. 1900. in a joint debate with Judge East. The speech has since been published in pamphlet form. He stumped the State with Senator Henderson for McKinley and sound money in 1896; also in the Congressional campaign of 1898 and the gubernatorial campaign of 1902. For some time he has been assistant United States attorney, although he keeps his private offices and cares for his general practice, as senior member of the law firm of Miller & Cole- 1112.11.
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