USA > Virginia > City of Norfolk > City of Norfolk > History of Norfolk County, Virginia and representative citizens, V.2 > Part 27
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Mr. Childress married Mrs. Elizabeth S. Fisher, a native of Norfolk County. She had three children by her previous marriage with L. J. Fisher, namely: Eddie T .; Emma V .; and Grace E. L. J. Fisher was a prominent man in this community. He served in the Confederate War as a member of Company C, 15th Regiment, Virginia Cavalry. Army of Northern Virginia, and was with his command all the time except 12 days when sick. He participated in all the engagements of his com- pany and was once wounded slightly. He was elected a member of Pickett-Buchanan Camp. February 25. 1884. After the war he settled on the place where Mr. Childress resides, and by diligence and economy was able to leave to his family the snug sum of about $60,000. invested in real estate. He died January 15. 1890. Mr. Childress and his wife have one child .- Tillman C., who was born in 1891.
The subject of this sketch is a member of the Elks. Politically, he casts his vote with the Democratic party. He is a Baptist in re- ligious views. Mr. Childress stands high in the community, where he is well known for his many admirable traits of character.
ILLIAM J. LAND, one of the prom- inent farmers of Norfolk County. Virginia, was born near Ocean View, on Tanner's Creek, October 12, 1851. He is a son of H. Land. also a native of Virginia.
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HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
manhood he also took np this occupation, and has successfully followed it since that time. He has 167 acres of land in Norfolk County, about 115 acres of which he cultivates. He also raises oysters on his farm, which he mar- kers. He takes a deep interest in the progress made by other farmers in the community, and always lends his assistance to any worthy en- terprise. He is possessed of much thrift and energy, and is upright in character and honest with all men.
In 1879, Mr. Land married Henrietta Butt, who died in 1880. In 1885, he married Mag- gie Bunting, a native of Norfolk County, and a daughter of George Bunting. They have four children, namely: Minnie, who married E. G. Harrison; Everett: Neva; and Mary. The subject of this sketch is a Democrat in politics. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. He is very well known in Norfolk County, where he is highly esteemed for his good qualities.
OHN S. WRIGHT, JR., general inan- ager of the Churchland Manufactur- ing Company, has filled that position of trust since 1899, and stands among the foremost citizens of Norfolk County, Virginia. The company with which he is connected is based on Norfolk County capital, with W. B. Carney as president, and manufactures barrels, crates and baskets, the first-named product having been patented by Mr. Wright in 1899. The plant covers about 61/2 acres of land and consists of five build- ings, and furnishes employment to one hundred men. The daily output is estimated to be 3,000 barrels and 5,000 baskets, which find a ready market.
Mr. Wright is a native of the same county of which he is a resident, his birth having oc- curred May 18, 1857. He is a son of John S. Wright, Sr., and Julia Wells, his wife, and grandson of James Wright, who was a Vir-
ginian by birth, as was also the father of the subject hereof, who was born February 22, 1824.
John S. Wright, Sr., was a prominent man in his day. He had the advantage of a good education, having attended Richmond College, and finished his scholastic training in New York. . At the early age of 21 years he pur- chased a farm on the Western Branch of the Elizabeth River, and was engaged in agricul- tural pursuits during the remainder of his life, although he followed mercantile pursuits for some years, in connection with farming. He was a believer in the principles of the Demo- cratic party, and in his religious life was a member of the Baptist Church for 50 ycars, and served for some time as a deacon. He de- parted this life May 15, 1897, and was mourned by many friends. His wife was a native of North Carolina, where her birth oc- curred in November, 1826. She had six chil- dren as follows: James W .; John S., Jr., the subject of this biography; Mary F .; Julia W .; Stephen R. and Bettie W.
John S. Wright, Jr., derived his education from the Churchland Academy (Virginia). and the Polytechnic College, of Blacksburg, Virginia. Upon completing his studies, he entered active life as a farmer and continued in that occupation for many years, until he en- tered upon the responsibilities of his present position as general manager of the Churchland Manufacturing Company. This he fills with such diligence and ability as to place him high in the estimation of his colaborers.
Mr. Wright has been twice married, the first ceremony having taken place in December. 1882, when he was united in marriage with Mary E. Wilkins, who was born in Northamp- ton County, Virginia. This union resulted in one child. John L., born in 1890. In October of the following year Mr. Wright was called upon to mourn the death of his beloved com- panion. In August. 1899, Mr. Wright was united in marriage with Annie E. Williams, who is a native of Petersburg, Virginia.
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JOHN B. WHITEHEAD.
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AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.
In political action, Mr. Wright is a zealous supporter of the Democratic party. In re- ligious attachment, he is a member of the Bap- tist Church. Fraternally, he belongs to the K. of P.
OHN B. WHITEHEAD. a representa- tive citizen of Norfolk, whose portrait is herewith presented. was born in the house where he now resides in that city, November 3. 1822. He pursued his studies in Elizabethtown, New Jersey, and at Coleman's school in Caroline County, Vir- ginia.
Nathan C. Whitehead, the father of John B., was born in Southampton County, Virginia, in #792. and was a graduate of the old Penn- sylvania Medical College. He practiced med- icine in Norfolk with success and finally gave up the profession to accept the presidency of the Farmers' Bank, which responsible position he held for 27 years until his death. in 1856. He was a magistrate in Norfolk for 38 years, and during the scourge of vellow fever, upon the death of the mayor, took charge of the city. He was married in 1817 to Lillian Blair Mc- Pherson, who bore him several children, of whom the following five lived to maturity : Elizabeth, deceased in 1855; John B., the sub- ject of this sketch : Cornelia G., deceased wife of Henry Irvin, of Maryland; William C., who died in January, 1857; and Mary Elizabeth, deceased wife of Lieut. Carter Braxton Poin- dexter, of the United States Navy, and later, of the Confederate States Navy.
The grandfather of Mr. Whitehead was William Whitehead, a native of Southampton County. Virginia, and a farmer throughout his life.
John B. Whitehead served as president of the Common Council of Norfolk for many years, and was mayor from 1870 to 1872, and again from 1874 to 1876. He was for a time president of both the Exchange National and Franklin Banks, president of the Baker Sal-
vage Company and of the Dismal Swamp Canal Company : he was president and principal owner of the Norfolk City Railway, from 1874 until 1887. Mr. Whitehead is, and has been for many years, engaged in the real estate busi- 11Css.
He was married in 1843 to Emily Arnold Herman, a daughter of Henry Herman, and their union was blessed with several children, of whom those surviving are: Henry C .; Emily, wife of Washington Taylor ; and Lily B., wife of W. T. Walke, Jr.
R. WILLIAM A. FURCRON. Fore- most among the successful profes- D sional men of Great Bridge, Norfolk County, Virginia, who by carefully diagnosing his cases. and bringing his knowledge to bear in the treatment of them. has established a high reputation in the city and its vicinity, is the subject of this sketch.j He is a native of New York, was born in. Brooklyn, September 11. 1869. and is the son of William A. and Mary T. (Snelling) Fur- cron. Both parents claimed Virginia as their native State. The mother was a direct de- scendant of the Wood family. that came to this country from England, and were among the first settlers of Jamestown. William A. Furcron was of French descent. and his an- cestors also came to America at an early date. He followed the fortunes of a tobacconist it many years, spending most of his life in the North, and during the Confederate War was of much aid in buying supplies and helping to build fortifications. He was united in mar- riage with Mary T. Snelling, who was born in Chesterfield, Virginia. December 14. 1832. They reared a family of seven children, five of whom are still living, namely: Anna C .; Mary C. : Charles C. : Virginia F., and William A. Mr. Furcron departed this life in April, 1900, at the age of 73 years.
William A. Fureron obtained his mental
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HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
training in the schools of Jersey City, the major portion of his life having been spent at that place. Upon leaving school, he became assistant superintendent of a box factory and successfully performned his duties there for the next seven years when he determined to fit himself for the medical profession. He ac- cordingly entered Bellevue Hospital Medical College, and graduated therefrom in 1894. Subsequently, he came to Virginia, where he decided to settle in Kempsville, Princess Anne County, and practice his profession. His suc- cess was scon evident. but in 1898 he changed his location for the benefit of his practice, and sought a larger field for his labors in the town of Great Bridge and the country surrounding. He has continued to reside there ever since and. is enjoying his work and closely attending to his growing practice. He is popular among, his friends, and commands the confidence and. esteem of the community in which he resides.
In December, 1895. the subject of this sketch was united in matrimony with Mary E. Stokley, who is a native of North Carolina. Both are devoted to the work of the Baptist Church, of which they are members. In poli- tics, Dr. Furcron is ever ready to stand for the interests of the Democratic party. Fraternal- ly, he is a Mason.
OHN STEWART WISE. known as one of Norfolk County's most active citizens, is engaged in a flourishing business as a truck farmer, and has been located on his present farm since 1894.
Mr. Wise is a son of the late John S. Wise, who, during his life, was engaged in the double occupation of farmer and merchant, and con- ducted a store at Churchland with notable suc- cess. He was one of the foremost men in his county, and in losing him Norfolk County lost a useful citizen and leader.
John Stewart Wise was born in Norfolk County. August 19, 1849. His education was
obtained at the Churchland Academy, after which he helped his father in the work of the farm. At the early age of 21 years, he com- menced truck farming on the Lysander H. Kingman farm, where he continued for four years. About that time he purchased an 80- acre tract of land on Scott's Creek, where he established himself and lived for the next 20 years, previous to locating on his present farm, in 1894. His land is adapted to almost any branch of farming. Mr. Wise knows his busi- ness thoroughly, having had much experience in farming, and stands among the most suc- cessful truck farmers in the county. The products of the farm finds a ready market wherever they are sent.
May 5. 1881, Mr. Wise was joined in mat- rimony with Lucy Grimes, who was also born in Norfolk County, and is a daughter of Will- iam S. Grimes. They have reared two chil- dren, namely : Lucy Wortley, whose birth took place June 6, 1882: and Mary Stewart, born July 26, 1885. The family are devoted members of the Baptist Church. Mr. Wise, in his political opinions, is independent.
M. BIDGOOD. a prosperous trick farmer of Norfolk County. Virginia, has a splendid farm located on the Western Branch of the Elizabeth River. He was born on this farm September 19, 1848, and is a son of C. E. Bid- good.
C. E. Bidgood was born in Norfolk Coun- ty, Virginia, September 4, 1825, and died Oc- tober 24, 1900. His wife, Elizabeth Bidgood, was born December 23. 1827, and died Sep- iember 19, 1867. He spent his life in Norfolk County, engaged in farming. Politically, he was a strong supporter of Democratic prin- ciples. Mr. and Mrs. Bidgood became parents of the following children: John W .: C. M .. the subject of this biography; Thomas A .: Dr. Vincent C. ; Nathaniel B. ; and Anna J.
C. W. WALKER.
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AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.
C. M. Bidgood has passed his entire life in Norfolk County, with the exception of three years spent in Memphis, Tennessee. He is a progressive and successful agriculturist, em- ploying only the most approved methods of farming. Personally, he is a man of excellent character, and stands liigh in the esteem and good will of his fellow citizens.
February 19, 1880, Mr. Bidgood was joined in matrimony with Annie M. March. who was born in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1857, and they have five children. namely: Philip C .; Mary M .: Ellen: Annie K .; and Ernest C. Mr. Bidgood is a firm believer in the principles advocated by the Democratic party, and has always given that party his un- wavering support. Religiously. he is a mem- ber of the Churchland Baptist Church.
W. WALKER, a prominent citizen of Portsmouth. Norfolk County. Virginia, whose portrait is herewith shown, is proprietor of the Ports- mouth Steam Laundry, and is a very successful business man. He is a veteran of the Confederate War, and although only a boy at the time rendered valuable service to the Confederate cause. He was born at Ports- mouth, January 9. 1845, and is a son of Vin- cent Walker.
Vincent Walker was born in Delaware in March, 1803. and settled at Portsmouth, in 1831, serving as captain of the guard at the Navy Yard for 30 years. He ran the block- ade in October, 1862, in order to join the Confederate Army, but being refused enlist- ment went to Charlotte. North Carolina, where during the remainder of the war he occupied the same position in the Confederate States Navy Yard he had previously held in the United States Navy Yard. He died in Ports- mouth in 1869. His wife, Sarah M. Hodges, a daughter of John M. Hodges, who was a sol- dier in the War of 1812, died in 1868.
Early in 1861 C. W. Walker joined the Junior Guards, an organization of boys about 15 years of age, who armed themselves as best they could, but they were not accepted by the government. He then acted as courier for Gen- eral Blanchard until the evacuation, after which, being refused permission to accompany the troops. he crossed the Federal line and en- tered the machine department of the Charlotte Navy Yard. Eighteen months later he en- listed in the navy, and for a year was on duty on the school-ship. "Indian Chief," in Charles- ton harbor. During this time he frequently had exciting adventures as one of the boat's crew which served in the protection of the city i and Fort Sumter on night patrol. He was for three months a member of the guard of the Whitworth gun, at the foot of Calhoun street. ! and subsequently was detailed in the ordnance department at Selma. Alabama. After Sher- man had marched to the sea Mr. Walker vis- ited his father at Charlotte. following in the track of Sherman's army. He found the coun- try so stripped that it was with difficulty that he procured enough food to keep him alive while on the long tramp homeward. He served in the machine department at Charlotte until the arrival of the gold train" from Richmond, after the evacuation of the capital, when he was among the men who volunteered as guard for the Confederate Treasury at Charlotte. North Carolina. The party was joined by Mrs. Davis, wife of the President, and her daughter. Winnie. During the trip by wagon i to the railroad station. Mr. Walker was one of ;the three men who assisted Mrs. Davis in car- ! rying her daughter, when she sought relief from the tiresome journey by walking. He accompanied the party as far as Augusta, Georgia, and finally surrendered at Blacksburg. South Carolina, having served in the last or- ganized body of Confederate troops cast of the Mississippi, and, perhaps, the last one to surrender. Since the close of the war Mr. Wal- I ker has resided at Portsmouth, where he was for 15 years a locomotive engineer on the Sea-
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HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
board Air Line Railway. Then. for six years, he was master mechanic in the Portsmouth shops of the same company. Since 1895 he has conducted the Portsmouth Steam Laundry, and has a very prosperous business.
Mr. Walker is a member of Stonewall Camp. Confederate Veterans, and in the Ma- sonic order has filled every office from that of junior deacon to that of commander of the Knights Templar. Hle organized the Knights of Dixie, which has since disbanded. He is a member of the City Council, and has done es- pecially good work as chairman of the street committee. He first married Azulah F. Knott. a daughter of Rev. William Knott, by whom three children were born, namely: J. V. K .. Lee Wood and C. W .. Jr. He formed a sec- ond union. wedding, Mrs. Annie Beauregard ( Warren) Riddick, a descendant of Gen. To- seph Warren, who was killed at Bunker Hill. They have one child. Russell Ashby.
ILLIAM F. WISE. The gentleman whose name heads this record is a highly esteemed and respected citi- zen of Norfolk County, Virginia, and owns 550 acres of choice farming land within its borders. He is among the foremost representative agriculturists in that section. Having a large amount of real estate in the vicinity of Norfolk, he founded West Norfolk in 1888, and has assisted very materially in building up this suburb, which now has a population of 1,200. Mr. Wise was born on the old Ballard farm in Norfolk Coun- ty, Virginia. March 2, 1840. He is a son of Jolin Stewart and Martha A. (Love) Wise. a grandson of Tully Wise, and great-grandson of George D. and Elizabeth (Stewart) Wise.
George D. Wise was the first of the Wise family to leave the Eastern Shore of Virginia, of which one John Wise was the founder in America, having located on the Eastern Shore soon after landing in this country. The union
of George D. Wise with Elizabeth Stewart took place October 3, 1783. John Stewart Wise was born near Craney Island, Norfolk County, Virginia, and during his particularly active life followed the double occupation of farmer and merchant. He built the first store at Churchland, and gave that place its name. He was a Whig, and was a member of the Protestant Episcopal Church. He was large- ly interested in educational matters, and was one of the principal organizers of the free school system in Virginia. He was a man ci marked ability and was well known as a man of sterling qualities. His death took place in 1865, and he was deeply mourned by a large circle of friends.
He was joined in marriage with Martha A. Love, who was born at Love's Point (now West Norfolk). February 10, 1816. She was a daughter of John and Elizabeth Love, the former a native of Norfolk County, and a son of Alexander Love. a native of Paisley. Scot- land. Two sons and two daughters were born to John Stewart Wise and his wife. as follows : Tully. deceased : William F., the subject of this biography; Josephine, who married a Mr. Wright : and Martha A., wife of S. B. Carney.
William F. Wise received his primary edu- cation at the Churchland public school, and later attended Harroldville Academy, in North Carolina. In 1861. he enlisted in Company G. 59th Regiment Virginia Infantry, the 3rd Wise's Legion, thus taking up the cause of his State, and of the Confederate States of Amer- ica. The company, of which he was a mem- ber, disbanded October 27, 1861, and Mr. Wise was subsequently appointed and lieutenant of Company C, 13th Regiment Virginia Cavalry, and served in that capacity until discharged from service June 25, 1865, when his chosen side laid down its arms and peace was once more established. During this bitter conflict, Mr. Wise endured many hardships, saw much active service, and was wounded several times. In 1863. at Brandy Station. he was wounded in the ankle, on account of which he was re-
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عيب :حصص بوزيد، ٠٠هار
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JAMES EDWARD DUKE.
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AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.
tired from Lee's army. He continued with his command, however, and was wounded at Sail- or's Creek, the last battle of the war, where he was injured in the spine. He was captured at Appomattox Court House, was taken to Wash- ington, where his release by General Grant fol- lowed, May 20, 1865, and he returned to Nor- folk the following day.
Mr. Wise has been thrice married. His first union was contracted in 1866. with Lucy A. Ballard, who died in 1867, leaving one son, William L., who is still a resident of Church- land. The second marriage of Mr. Wise was contracted with Mary W. Nelms, a native of Isle of Wight County, Virginia. September 18. 1873. she, 100. crossed the river of death, James Duke. the father. was for many years engaged in growing and selling tobacco. and for some years was prominently engaged in agricultural pursuits. He also engaged in the mercantile business with success. He was a man of affairs, employed many people. and was well and favorably known over Virginia and Eastern North Carolina. He was com- missioner for two terms, but owing to lack of time refused to serve longer in that capacity. leaving two children .- a daughter Emma, now Mrs. J. B. Lindsay, and a son, George N., an attorney-at-law in Newport News. He is a graduate of the Virginia Military Institute and the University of Virginia. In 1886, Mr. Wise was united in marriage with his present wife, at that time Fanny ( Krozer) Jett, a daughter of Dr. John R. Krozer, who is today the oldest practicing physician in Baltimore, : Maryland. It will be remembered that in . He was a man of exceptional ability and a most "Baker's Secret Service of the United States" it is stated that William S. Jett was with Bain- ; were both of the Episcopal faith. Mr. Duke bridge and Ruggles at the water's edge when John Wilkes Booth made his escape on Mr. Jett's horse across the Potomac River to Gar- rett's barn, where Booth was later killed; and that Mr. Jett was tried for his life for helping Booth to escape. He was found innocent of the charge and liberated. He was merely showing his humanity to a suffering man, not knowing that the fugitive was John Wilkes Booth. Mrs. Wise is also a granddaughter of Dr. Krozer, who had the honor of being sur- geon of the illustrious Napoleon.
Mr. Wise is one of the most progressive farmers in his section, and carries on a general trucking business, which when properly man- aged yields a splendid income. He is inde- pendent in politics, and like his father believes 1 in the doctrines and tenets of the Protestant !
Episcopal Church. His fine farm of 550 acres is located on the Western Branch of the Eliza- beth River.
AMES EDWARD DUKE, a member of the firm of Duke & Smith and of the Southampton Lumber Company. of Norfolk, Virginia, of which he is treasurer, is one of the prominent and influential business men of that city. He was . born in Manchester, Virginia. September 12. 1867, and is a son of James and Cordelia ( Humphreys ) Duke, both natives of North Carolina.
worthy citizen. He and his wife, Cordelia, was thrice married, his first union being with Polly Gray: three children were born of this marriage: Thomas Jefferson, who died at the age of 52 years : William, who died in I878, at the age of 42 years : and Martha, who died at the age of 39 years and was the wife of William D. Elliott. Mr. Duke's second wife died after nine months of married life. Ilis third wife was Cordelia Humphreys, by whom he had two children: James Edward: and Elizabeth, wife of William J. Cowell. who re- sides in North Carolina. Mr. Duke died Oc- tober 26, 1890, aged about 69 years, and his wife died January 21. 188r. at the age of 47 years. She came of a Virginia and North Car- olina family.
James Edward Duke, subject of this bio- graphy, attended the public schools of North
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HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
Carolina, then completed a collegiate course at King's Mountain, and subsequently attended the Bingham Military Institute. After his school days he taught in the public schools of North Carolina for two years, and was very successful in that line of work. He next en- gaged in office work for some four years, oc- cupying various responsible positions, one of them being with the L. T. Gwathmey Com- pany, who did an extensive lumber business in Norfolk, Virginia.
In June, 1893, he formed a co-partnership in the lumber business with A. R. Smith, which has since existed. They deal chiefly in North Carolina and Georgia yellow pine. although they also handle hard woods and white pine in large quantities. The local trade receives their attention when the purchaser desires lumber in car-load or cargo lots, but their main channels of delivery are found in the Northern markets and European ports. They are largely en- gaged in supplying the government with white and yellow pine. In recent years two large sawmills have been erected for the purpose of supplying their constantly growing trade, one being located at Southampton. Virginia, on the Seaboard Air Line Railway and the other in Norfolk County. More than 100 men are given employment in these mills. The firm also acts as selling agent for a North Carolina pine mill which was erected near Spring Hope. on the Atlantic Coast Line. From these three mills at once, this firm is able to supply 75,000 feet of lumber daily. It is one of the most prosperous lumber firms in the South, and it is safe to say Mr. Duke is justly entitled to the credit of being one of Norfolk's most enterprising and responsible young business men. He is president of the Southern Amuse- ment Company at Virginia Beach, and presi- dent of the Battery Park Amusement Company, located at Rodman Heights. Portsmouth, Vir- ginia. He is "bojum" of the Supreme Nine. Concatenated Order of Hoo-Hoo, an organiza- tion designed for prominent dealers in lumber and sawmill machinery. The honor of the
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