USA > Virginia > City of Norfolk > City of Norfolk > History of Norfolk County, Virginia and representative citizens, V.2 > Part 28
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"bojumey" was conferred upon him by the or- der at the convention held at Norfolk in annual session September 9-13, 1901, it being attended by members from all parts of the United States, representing the different branches.
Mr. Duke is very fond of travel and has visited abroad, combining business with pleas- ure. He. made a tour of London, Liverpool. Edinburgh, Berlin and most of the large cities of Europe, including Paris, where he spent sev- eral weeks in viewing the exposition.
Mr. Duke was united in marriage Novem- ber 20, 1895, with Mary Rose Loughran, who was born in Washington, D. C., and is a daughter of Daniel and Mary (Fitzgerald) Loughran. Mrs. Duke is a graduate of one of the leading convents-Holy Cross -- of the city of Washington, and is a lady of culture and of pleasing presence. Both of her parents are now living; her father is an extensive wholesale and retail tobacco merchant of the city of Washington, and is also a large real estate owner.
A portrait of Mr. Duke may be seen in connection with this sketch; it appears on a foregoing page.
AMES S. COOPER, one of the many prominent truck farmers of Norfolk County, Virginia. is living on a fine farm near City Park, Norfolk. He was born in Norfolk, July 5, 1841, and is a son of Samuel Cooper.
Samuel Cooper died when. James S. was but three years old. He was a farmer by oc- cupation. He married Jakie Lane, a Virginia lady, who died but 18 months after her hus- band's death.
James S. Cooper received his mental train- ing in Norfolk. He enlisted in the army dur- ing the Confederate War, beginning service February, 1862, in the St. Bride's Artillery. He was afterward transferred to the 14th Regiment Virginia Infantry. He took part in
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R. A. HUTCHINS.
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the battle of Bermuda Hundred. and also the battle of Seven Pines, and received an honor- able discharge at the elose of the war. He be- gan work as a truck farmer, but, having no money, was obliged to commence at the bottom and work up. This he did most successfully, and labored with untiring energy and zeal. He is now the owner of several farms and a hand- some residence near City Park in Norfolk. His home is provided with all modern im- provements, and his land is kept in a condition of excellent cultivation. His advice is often sought on matters pertaining to the tilling of the soil, as he is considered an authority on such matters.
Mr. Cooper married Emily S. Flora, a daughter of Alexander Flora. Mr. Flora was the father of the following children. namely: Henry C., who died in the army, being a member of the same company as Mr. Cooper: Emily, the wife of Mr. Coop- er; and Sarah Frances and Alexander. de- ceased. Alexander Flora's wife was Jane Lambert, a native of Lambert's Point. MIr. Cooper and his wife have the following chil- dren, namely: Henry Cornelius, who was born in 1867, is engaged in the trucking busi- ness, and married Lillie Cheney of Sewell's Point .; Mary Susan, who lives at home : Lelia Jane, who married C. F. Miller, a truck farm- er; and Irene, who is at home.
Mr. Cooper is a Democrat in politics. His family belong to the Methodist Episcopal Church. South. He is an upright citizen. and is held in the highest esteem by all who know `him. .
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A. HUTCHINS, a prominent citizen of Portsmouth, Virginia, whose por- trait aecompanies this sketch. has served in the capacity of eity collector since 1883. and his conduct of affairs has met with the universal approval of the pub- lie. He was born at Portsmouth in 1842, and is a son of George W. Hutchins.
George W. Hutchins was born in the Dis- triet of Columbia, and at an early day removed to Portsmouth, Virginia, where he became a ship-carpenter in the United States Navy Yard. About 1836 he was married at South Portsmouth to a daughter of Moses Taylor, an early resident of that place. Mr. Taylor was born in Princess Anne County. Virginia, and removed to what is now Fourth street. South Portsmouth. He was foreman of the riggers at the Navy Yard for many years, and died during the Confederate War. at the age of about 76 years. He was a leading Democrat of his community, and was a prominent mem- ber of the Baptist Church. His wife died in 1855 of yellow fever. They had eight children. as follows: W. T., of Portsmouth, who was a brick-mason by trade and is now living in retirement; Mrs. James W. Bromley. of Portsmouth: Mrs. Virginia Ricketts, also of Portsmouth; Mary A. Harrison, widow of William Harrison, an upholsterer of Norfolk. who now resides at Staten Island, New York, at the age of 77 years; Mrs. Hutchins, the mother of R. A .; Robert, deceased: George, who died of yellow fever in 1855: and Mrs. Elizabeth Butt, deceased. George W .Hutch- ins and his wife became the parents of 10 chil- dren, six of whom are now living, as follows : R. A. : Eudora ( Lumber), of Newport News. who married a leading contractor formerly of Baltimore, Maryland: Virginia ( Thomas ). whose husband has been in charge of the mag- azine at Fort Norfolk for the past 20 years, and who lives on Washington street, in Ports- mouth ; Emily ( Myers), of' Portsmouth, who married a tailor : Almedia, of Portsmouth ; and S. B., a record of whose life appears elsewhere in this work.
R. A. Hutchins was reared and schooled at Portsmouth, and served his time as an ap- prentice to the trade of ship-builder in the Navy Yard. He later built many steamboats and barges in the harbor. On April 21. 1861. he enlisted in the Marion Ritles, of South Portsmouth, having previously belonged to the
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volunteer company from the time he was 18 years old. He saw much hard fighting and continued with his regiment until taken pris- oner at the battle of Gettysburg, when he was sent to Fort Delaware and Point Lookout. He returned to Portsmouth just prior to the close of the war, on account of sickness. He did not again engage in business for several years, ow- ing to the condition of his health. In IS72 he embarked in the grocery business in South Portsmouth, and continued to follow that line until 1883. He had served two terms in the City Council and in that year was made city collector to succeed H. A. Allen, being the first official selected to that office by the people. While a member of the Council he was chair- man of the street committee, when paying was introduced. He has always been one of the most progressive men of Portsmouth, and en- joys the highest esteem of his fellow citizens.
In November. 1865, R. A. Hutchins was joined in the bonds of matrimony with Mary E. Barrett, who was born in Portsmouth, and is a daughter of Henry Barrett, who died of vellow fever in 1855. Eight children blessed this union, as follows: Henry A., a travel- ing salesman for G. & R. Barrett, of Norfolk ; R. A., Jr., a ship-carpenter in the Navy Yard, who married a daughter of M. W. Allen, and has three children ; Claude E., shipping and re- ceiving clerk for G. & R. Barrett, of Norfolk, who is married and has two children: Ruth, wife of, W. N. White, a gunsmith of Ports- mouth; E. Linwood, who died at Colorado Springs at the age of 21 years, and was in the employ of the Virginia Chemical Company; Laura: William R., a clerk in the Navy Yard : and Peyton Coles, who lives at home and is serving an apprenticeship to the machinist trade at the Navy Yard. The family home is at No. 1024 Dinwiddle street, in which neigh- borhood Mr. Hutchins has lived for more than 36 years. He has always been a stanch Demo- crat in politics. Socially he is a member of the Masonic fraternity. He has been a Mas- ter Mason for 16 years; he was master of
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Portsmouth Naval Lodge, No. 100, A. F. & A. M., for two years. He is a member of Portsmouth Lodge, No. 16. K. of P. He has been a member of the Court Street Baptist Church for 36 years, and a deacon therein for many years.
E. POWELL, a prosperous truck- farmer of Norfolk County. Virginia, is located in one of the best trucking districts in the United States. He has operated on an extensive scale. and uses only modern methods in carrying on his enterprise. He was born on the Talbot farm in Norfolk County, June 9. 1854. and is a son of James H. and Martha Eliza (Ost) Powell.
James H. Powell was born on the Eastern Shore of Virginia, in 1822, and died in 1870, at the age of 48 years. He was reared on a farm and followed the occupation of a farmer throughout his life, raising vegetables for the New York, Boston and Philadelphia markets. He married Martha Eliza Ost. whose family has been located at Sewell's Point for more thạn 100 years, and they became parents of the following children: C. E .. the subject of this biography; Robert T .. who is a farmer, and also takes an active interest in politics : W. T .. a successful farmer: Susan ( Ferrett). whose husband is a merchant of Norfolk : and Brice, who is a farmer and a magistrate.
C. E. Powell. being the oldest son. was naturally the one to take his father's place upon the latter's death, and he assumed charge of the farm and reared and educated the children. It was a hard task for one so young. but well did he accomplish it. keeping the children t .- gether until they maturedl and became settled. He has, in the main. engaged in raising vege- tables on liis home-farm of Go acres, and his two other farms, which he runs in connection. He has commodious outbuildings for the hous- ing of his produce and stock, and built a com- fortable home to replace the old house, which
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had been standing for over a century. He is a great lover of fine stock, and makes a special- ty of his Shropshire sheep and Poland-China hogs, which are unexcelled in the State.
In 1879, Mr. Powell was united in mar- riage with Anna Cromwell, whose family has been well known in this State for more than 200 years, and is descended from Oliver Crom- well. Two children were the issue of this; union, namely: Nellie C., born December 19, 1879; and Chiarles E .. born October 27, 1892. Mr. Powell is a Democrat in State politics, but is inclined to be independent in national af- fairs, having voted for McKinley in 1900. He attends the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, although not a member, and is one of its most liberal supporters. He is very chari- table toward the poor, always looks out for their interests in the community, and conse- quently enjoys their highest esteem and good will.
RANK L. PORTLOCK, the well- known road commissioner of Norfolk County, Virginia. also a surveyor. is engaged in farming south of Berkley. He was born near Great Bridge Sep- tember 6, 1859, and is a son of Franklin Port- lock.
Franklin Portlock was born in Norfolk County in 1826, the Portlock family having come to Virginia quite early in the seven- teenth century. He married Eugenia H. Ta- tem, a native of Norfolk County, and a daugh- ter of Dr. William Tatem. Franklin Portlock was a farmer and brick manufacturer. To him and his wife were born the following children : Judge William Nathaniel, of Norfolk County ; Emily A .; Eugenia T., who married T. IV. Butt ; Frank L., the subject of this sketch : Bet- tie B., deceased; and Fanny B., who married C. L. Young.
Frank L. Portlock attended school in Nor- folk County, and after finishing his studies taught until 1890. His school was located at
Oak Grove, one mile north of Great Bridge. In 1890 he was elected road commissioner of Norfolk County, and has since held that office. In addition to this office he carries on general farming and stock raising, and in this is very successful. By reason of the confidence placed in him he was apointed to his present position, and he has filled that office in a most accepta- ble manner. Mr. Portlock was instrumental in securing the right of way for the extension of the Berkley Branch Street Railway to Money Point.
In 1898 Mr. Portlock married Marion West, who was born in Norfolk County, and is a daughter of L. M. West. They have one child. Marion E. The subject of this sketch is a Democrat in politics. He is a prominent member of Providence Christian Church, of which he is clerk. He is a member of Hick- ory Ground Lodge, No. 180. A. F. & A. M., of which he is master. He is also notary pub- lic, having been commissioned in September. 1900. Portraits of Frank L. Portlock and his father. Franklin Portlock, accompany this sketch, being presented on foregoing pages.
HULL DAVIDSON, one of the best-known citizens of Norfolk, is proprietor of the New Atlantic Ho- tel of that city, and also of Ocean View Hotel of Ocean View. Virginia. He was born in Lexington, Kentucky, and is a son of James T. Davidson, who was a banker.
Mr. Davidson attended Kentucky Univer- sity at Lexington, and after completing his education went into the First National Bank of that city as a clerk. He continued in that position for eight years, and then began the manufacture of machinery, as a member of the firm of Davidson & Williams. In 1884 he became proprietor and manager of the Pline- nix Hotel: he purchased the property in 1891. and at the same time organized the present
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Phoenix Hotel Company. He continued as manager until 1893, when he resigned to give his entire attention as mayor to the admin- istration of the city's affairs. He was elected to this office in 1892, by a majority of 1,000 votes. He refused a renomination, and at the same time refused the nomination for State Senator from Fayette County. From 1894 10. 1897 he was editor of the Lexington Daily Argonaut, the only daily paper in Central Kentucky to support William Jennings Bryan for the presidency in 1896. In 1897 he sold out his interests in Lexington and moved to New York, where he engaged in the wholesale liquor business. In 1900 he took charge of the restaurants in the American Pavilion at the Paris Exposition, furnishing banquets for State delegations, foreign potentates and other distinguished visitors. He studied up on hotel systems and the catering business while in Europe, and on his return to the United States concluded to go back to the hotel business. In 1901 he took charge of the Ocean View Hotel at Ocean View, Virginia, which he still' con- ducts. He has met with grand success in this enterprise, bringing it up to a high plane as a fashionable summer hostelry. When the At- lantic Hotel was sold in September, 1901, he organized a company and became its manager. Under such capable management the New At- lantic became the most popular hotel in the city, being first class in all its appointments. Mr. Davidson established the Parisian Cafe. which, for novelty and efficient service, ap- pealed strongly to popular favor, and is at all times well patronized. Another pleasant fea- ture of this hostelry is a barber shop unex- celled in all the South, which has proved as popular with the citizens of Norfolk as with the traveling public. Mr. Davidson has al- ways led a life of great activity wherever he has been located. He was prominent in public affairs as a resident of Lexington, Kentucky, where he organized the Chamber of Commerce and served as its second president.
The subject of this sketch was joined in
matrimony with Magdalen D. Lancaster, of Lexington, a daughter of M. P. Lancaster. She died in 1897, leaving two children .---- Anne E .; and Merritt L., who is a member of the class of 1903 at Yale University. Fraternally. Mr. Davidson is a Mason, and has attained the rank of Knight Templar and Noble of the Mystic Shrine. He is also a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks: Knights of Pythias; Independent Order of Odd Fellows; Improved Order of Red Men : and the Order of Hoo Hoos. He was elected an honorary member of the Traveling Men's Association, and is one of the incorporators of the Ter-Centennial Exposition of Norfolk.
OL. WILLIAM W. SALE. Among the young attorneys at law of Nor- folk who have achieved signal suc- cess in the practice of their profes- sion, none stands higher than the gentleman named above. Possessed oi a de- termination to succeed and learned in legal lore, it was but a short time after he opened his office until he had a lucrative practice, which has increased as each succeeding year has passed by. He is a power in the workings of the Democratic party in this district, and at present represents Norfolk City and Princess Anne County in the State Senate.
Colonel Sales was born in Fairfield, Rock- bridge County, Virginia. September 20. 1870, and is a scion of a distinguished old Virginia family. On the maternal side he is a grandson of John Templeton, of Scotch-Irish extraction. famous as an agriculturist during his day. William M. Sale, the Colonel's father, was an extensive planter. and one of the largest slave owners in the Valley of Virginia.
William W. Sale was reared on a farm and performed all the duties incidental to farming until he was 18 years old. when he accepted a position as clerk in a general store. He cultivated his mind in the various schools
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of his native county, and in 1890 matriculated at Washington and Lee University, from which he graduated with distinction in 1893. with a degree of Bachelor of Laws. In the fall of 1893 he entered upon the practice of his profession in Norfolk, having formed a partnership with W. A. Ross, which continued until 1895, since which time he has practiced alone. His success at the bar is too well. known to require mention here. He has made a specialty of corporation law and chancery practice, and has a well-established clientage. He is attorney for the National Building As- sociation, and the Guarantee Building & Loan Association of Baltimore. He is also vice- president of the Southern Shorthand & Busi- ness University, and lectures once a week on commercial subjects. Colonel Sale is promi- nent in military affairs, with which he has long been identified. He was for a time secretary and treasurer of the Lee Rifles, and an active member for several years of Company A, 4th Regiment, Virginia Infantry. He was ap- pointed a member of the military staff of Gov- ernor J. Hoge Tyler in January, 1898, with the rank of colonel of cavalry, a position which he now holds, being probably the young- est man ever appointed to that position. He was recently appointed commissioner of valu- ation for the city of Norfolk, being the first man so appointed. The position was worth from $7,000 to $8,000 per annum in a city of Norfolk's size, but it was rendered valueless by the action of the Supreme Court of Vir- ginia in declaring the Act creating it uncon- stitutional. Colonel Sale is an enthusiastic worker in the Democratic party. and in 1896 was' spoken of as a candidate for the State Legislature, but withdrew his name before the convention met. He is a member of the Dem- ocratie City Executive Committee, and vice- president of the Third Ward Democratic Club, which is next to the largest political or- ganization in Norfolk. He was a delegate to the National Democratic Convention at Kan-
sas City, Missouri, which renominated Will- iam Jennings Bryan in 1900.
Colonel Sale is a prominent member of the Knights of the Mystic Chain, and is treasurer of the local lodge. He is aso a member of the Kappa Alpha fraternity. He is possessed of no mean ability as an orator, is a lucid and entertaining speaker, and his words carry great weight with a jury or miscellaneous audience. He takes a deep interest in all that concerns the progress of Norfolk, and lends his earnest support to all public enterprises and improve- ments.
APT. EUGENE B. WILLIS, who is in the service of the Old Dominion Steamship Company, was born in Smyrna, North Carolina. April 22. 1854, and is a son of Cicero and Theresa ( Piner) Willis. Both his parents were born in North Carolina, and his father followed the trade of a carpenter through his active life, dying in 1888, aged 61 years .- his wife still survives him, and is living in Smyrna, North Carolina.
Eugene B. Willis attended the public schools of Smyrna and grew to manhood in that town. At the age of IS years he shipped before the mast on a sailing vessel. and foi- lowed that a number of years ; he then entered the coast survey service, in which he remained for three years. Afterward he entered the revenue service, and later secured a position on the Clyde line of steamers. He left the employ of the Clyde Steamship Company August 30. 1886, to enter the service of the Old Dominion Steamship Company, in which he has re- mained up to the present writing. He has filled the positions of first and second mate and master. The first vessel which he commanded was the "Albemarle," and he has also comll- manded the "Rosalie," "Ocracoke." "Hat- teras." "Newberne," and for the past 18 months has been captain of the "Rosalie."
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He has a thorough knowledge of navigation. and is one of the best masters in the employ of the Old Dominion Steamship Company.
Captain Willis was united in marriage with Maria H. Davis, who was born in Smyrna, North Carolina. He is a member of the A. F. & A. M. also of the Old Dominion Benev- olent Association, and the Association of Mas- ters & Pilots of Steam Vessels of the United States.
JOHN W. JONES is a prominent con- tractor and builder located on Chesa- peake avenue, Berkley, Norfolk Coun- ty, Virginia, and has erected many large and important buildings throughout this county and in adjoining counties. He was born in Norfolk County, Virginia, February 28, 1858, and is a son of William and Frances ( Boushell) Jones, both natives of Norfolk County.
William Jones was born in Norfolk Coun- ty, Virginia, in 1832, and became a teacher. He taught in private schools for several years, and then abandoned the profession and ac- cepted a position in Norfolk as a fancy painter, having served an apprenticeship as coach- painter when a boy. He and his wife were earnest members of the Christian Church, and took an active part in church work. He died in 1867. his wife. who was born in 1826, hav- ing died in 1866. Both came of well-known Virginia families, and they became parents of two children, of whom the youngest, Marion, died in infancy.
John W. Jones attended the public and private schools of Norfolk County, and after his school days served an apprenticeship to the carpenter trade, at which he worked for several years. He then branched into con- tracting and building for himself. and many large buildings have been erected under his direction. He built the D. B. Bradford Build- ing in Elizabeth City, North Carolina : the John T. Spratley Building, in Surry County ; the
Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church, South, in Berkley; the People's Bank Building, in Berkley; the Waverly Building, for W. L. Berkley; the Salisbury Building, occupied by Robert Salisbury; a large school-building at Lambert's Point; another large school-house at Scottsville, and two of the largest school- buildings in the county outside the limits of Norfolk and Portsmouth. He has erected many of the fine residences in each of the twin cities, and his work compares favorably with that of any other contractor and builder in the county .. He is also connected with the W. M. Tilley Company, which deals in sash, doors, biinds and lumber at Berkley. He is a director in the Berkley Permanent Building & Loan Association; and is a member of the Berkley Business Men's Association. He also holds stock in the People's Bank, and in the LeRoy Manufacturing Company, of Berkley.
October 27, 1887, Mr. Jones was joined in marriage with Clara E. Tilley, who was born in Baltimore, Maryland. and is a daugh- ter of E. M. Tilley, of Berkley. They have four children, namely: Edward T .; Wesley T. ; Delha B. : and Raymond T. Mr. and Mrs. Jones are members of the Liberty Street Methodist Episcopal Church, South, of which 'he is a member of the board of stewards. Fra- ternally he belongs to Berkley Lodge, No. 167, A. F. & A. M.
ARRY L. TROTMAN, who has a farmi of 400 acres near Churchland. Norfolk County, Virginia. is one of the well-known agriculturists of the county. He was born at Churchland. and is a son of T. E. Trotman.
T. E. Trotman is a prominent farmer and merchant of Norfolk County. He was born in Gates County, North Carolina. He married Mary Sears, a native of Nansemond County. Virginia, and they were blessed with two chil- dren, namely : Percy E., a farmer ; and Harry L .. the subject of this sketch.
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Harry L. Trotman attended school at Churchland and later went to college. After leaving college he engaged in the merchandise business with his father, in which he still con- tinues. His farm is one of the finest in the State, and Mr. Trotman takes great pride in its cultivation. He is a man of honest. up- right character, and is greatly respected by all who come in contact with his pleasing person- ality. He is honest and fair in his dealings, and is a man of good business ability. Mr. Trotman is a Democrat in politics. He is a member of the Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks.
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