USA > Virginia > City of Norfolk > City of Norfolk > History of Norfolk County, Virginia and representative citizens, V.2 > Part 29
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ENRY DUKE. Among the many pros- perous farmers of Norfolk County, Virginia, is the gentleman whose name heads this sketch, and whose portrait is shown on the opposite page. He was born in Nansemond County, Virginia. July 17, 1844, and is a son of Whitman and Susan Duke.
Whitman Duke was born in Nansemond County, Virginia, where he farmed until the time of his death, which occurred in 1866. at the age of 87 years. His wife, who was also a native of Nansemond County. died in 1861. Of II children born to this union, but two are now living, namely: Hardy; and Henry. the subject of this sketch.
Henry Duke attended school in Nansemond County, and resided with his parents until the Confederate War broke out. He enlisted in 1861 in Company I, 9th Regiment, Virginia Infantry, Craney Island Light Artillery, from which he was transferred to Company C. 13th Regiment, Virginia Cavalry, and served until the close of the war. He was courier for General John R. Chambers and . took part in the following bat- tles: Brandy Station; Gettysburg: Spottsyl- vania; The Wilderness ; and Hanover Junction. He was struck by bullets several times-one passing through his clothing and the other
through his hat -- but, singularly, he was never wounded. He was discharged from the sery- ice at the surrender at Appomattox Court House.
He then returned to Suffolk. and removed to Norfolk County in 1867, where he engaged in truck farming near Churchland. He has since continued truck farming for himself, be- sides managing the Kingman farm. He has a thorough knowledge of agricultural affairs, is modern and progressive in every way, and is looked upon as a gentleman of much ability.
Mr. Duke was married in November, 1869. to Elizabeth A. Mears, who was born in Nanse- mond County, Virginia, and died January 16, 1902. Mr. Duke is a Democrat in politics. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and Masonic lodges. Religiously he is a member of the Baptist Church. He has many friends in Norfolk County, and is held in high estecm by all in the community.
THOMAS KEVILL. deceased, for many years one of the most prominent citi- zens of Norfolk, Virginia, was born in Ireland, and was six months old when he emigrated to Canada with his parents. He went from there to Lowell, Massachusetts, where he attended school for a time, and then went into the clothing business at Boston as a member of the Ingalls Com- pany. He removed to Norfolk, Virginia, in 1848, and opened a branch store. remaining in business there until his retirement in 1892. He died January 23, 1898, at the age of 73 years.
Mr. Kevill was captain of a volunteer fire company of Norfolk, and drilled and fitted his men out for service in the Confederate Ariny at his own expense. He was made captain of the Norfolk United Artillery, Company .1. Smith's Battalion. April 19, 1861. They were stationed at Fort Norfolk during the first year of the war, up to the evacuation of Norfolk,
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and during that time he volunteered with 31 of his men to fight aboard the iron-clad "Mer- rimac"-"Virginia" against the Federal fleet in Hampton Roads. in March, 1862. He was in charge of a 9-inch Dahlgren gun, the muzzle of which was shot off, but he continued in the engagement in that condition, sinking the U. S. S. "Cumberland" and burning the U. S. S. "Congress." He participated in the bat- tles about Richmond, and afterward went to Drewry's Bluff, being in the battle of Howlett House of James River, near the front of Dutch Gap. On the retreat when Richmond was evacuated he was on the left flank of Gen- eral Gordon and finally surrendered with the Army of Northern Virginia at Appomattox Court House, April 9, 1865. He was a mem- ber of Pickett-Buchanan Camp, Confederate Veterans.
After the war Captain Kevill returned to Norfolk and sold the most valuable piece of property he possessed to pay off obligations contracted before the war. He served as chief engineer of the Norfolk volunteer and paid fire departments for a period of 23 years. He was a man of the highest type and was loved and respected by every one with whom he was acquainted.
In 1850 Mr. Kevill was married to Au- gustine L. Shield, who was born in Norfolk and was a daughter of William Shield. She died in 1894, at the age of 59 years. Religi- ously, both were members of St. Mary's Ro- man Catholic Church. They were parents of seven children, as follows: Thomas, deceased : William J., deceased, who was educated in the American College of Lorraine, France, and was a Jesuit priest of Washington, D. C .; Mary, widow of Michael Glennan ; Anna Se- lina. wife of James E. Allen, a merchant of Norfolk; Virginia Buchanan, who was born in 1862, and died in infancy, was named after Commander Buchanan, of the "Merrimac"- "Virginia:" Thomas Francis, a tobacco mer- 'chant of Washington, D. C., enlisted in Com- pany K. Fourth Regiment, Virginia Infantry, 1
and went on garrison duty in Cuba after the war; and Joseph Emmett, who is clerking in Norfolk, also served in the Fourth Regiment, Virginia Infantry, under Col. George W. Taylor.
R .CHARD E. WOOD, the capable and efficient captain of the ferry-boat "Queen City," which plies between Berkley and Portsmouth, Virginia. is a resident of the former city, and holds licenses as a marine engineer and as master and as pilot of steam vessels. He has spent many years of service on board various vessels, and has worked his way up from a common deck-hand to positions of importance and trust, to which he does honor by his care- ful, discreet management and faithful service. Mr. Wood, like his parents, is a native of North Carolina, where he was born October 2. 1871. He is a son of Samuel F. and Martha Anne ( Downing) Wood. The latter was a daughter of Joseph and Nancy Downing, and died at the age of 46 years. She was through- out her life a devout Methodist. Samuel F. Wood was born in 1850, and is a marine engi- neer of some prominence, being at the pres- ent time employed on the tug "Chowan." which runs from Norfolk to North Carolina ports. He is a member of the Junior Order of United American Mechanics, and of the Ma- rine Engineers' Association.
Mr. Wood is one of a family of nine chil- dren, six of whom are living. as follows: Joseph: Maud Olivia; Richard E .: Felder : Elwood S .; and Samuel F .. Jr. All of the brothers followed in the footsteps of their fa- ther and chose life on the water. while the only sister married Columbus Sivills, section mas- ter on the Norfolk & Southern Railroad. and resides at Shore, North Carolina. Joseph is captain of the Seaboard Air Line Railway tug "Dorothea." at Norfolk. Felder is captain of the ferry-boat "Elizabeth." running between Norfolk and Berkley. Elwood S. is employed
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on the steamer "Norfolk," and Samuel F., Jr., on the tug "Delmar."
In 1892 Mr. Wood was united in marriage with Ella M. Hudgins, a daughter of William R. and Mary ( Sears) Hudgins, and enjoyed a brief period of wedded bliss. Mrs. Wood was a native of North Carolina. She was called to her heavenly home September 3. 1901, leaving, besides her sorrowing husband, a little daugh- ter, Lillie Maud, who was born in Berkley, in February, 1894. Mr. Wood formed a sec- ond union January 1, 1902, wedding Estella L. Bowden, and they now reside at No. 409 Harrison street. Portsmouth.
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Mr. Wood attended the public schools of his native city, and then adopted the life of a mariner, which he has followed ever since. He first worked in the capacity of fireman on the tug "William F. Taylor" and later on the "E. B. Lane," after which he served as deck- hand on the "William C. Pierrepont." Ile i was serving as such when the vessel was burned at Portsmouth, and Mr. Wood nar- rowly escaped death. After being employed in a similar capacity on the tug "Victoria" for a short time he conceived a desire to take a sea voyage, and during the following four years had many rough experiences while visiting most of the seaports of the United States and of various other countries. He then decided HARLES T. BLAND, of Ports- mouth, one of the most prominent public men of Virginia, who has at- tained a high degree of success as an attorney-at-law. journalist and political leader, is serving his fourth term as a member of the General Assembly of Vir- ginia. He was born October 3. 1857. and is a son of George W. and Louisa Frances ( Stew- art) Bland, his parents being natives of Ports- mouth. to abandon sea voyages, and accepted a posi- tion as fireman on the ferry-boat "City of Norfolk," which he filled for a brief time, after which he was advanced to be first mate of the "Chowan," which ran from Norfolk to all the ports of North Carolina. Further promotion folloy ed, and Mr. Wood became captain of the tug "David B. Hill," and served thus very efficiently for one year. Later he was engi- neer on the "Rosalind," which he left only to assume command of the tug "Sally," and did Charles T. Bland was reared at Ports- mouth, and attended the parish school at St. John's Protestant Episcopal Church, and also the public schools. Ile carried papers at the age of 12 years, and at the age of 14 years be- general tugging from Norfolk through the Dismal Swamp Canal. He had the honor of towing the "William Donnelly" and the "Oak- land." the first two schooners towed through that canal. Mr. Wood remained in command : came a store boy and clerk for R. G. Hume &
of the "Sally" for three months, and was afterward transferred to the tug "Mutual," as captain, and was engaged in doing local towing in the river. Some time later he was assigned to his present position as captain of the ferry-steamer "Queen City" which plies between Berkley and Portsmouth, the county- seat of Norfolk County. This command is very satisfactory to Mr. Wood, who by his courteous manner has won the good will of the traveling public. He has made Berkley his home for the past 14 years, and resides at No. 16 Middleton street. Although a member of the Berkley Avenue Baptist Church, he is lib- eral toward all religious denominations, and is known to be extremely charitable to the ex- tent of his means. In political action his sup- port is given to the Prohibition party.
Mr. Woods is a member of Tidewater Lodge, No. 30, Junior Order of American Mechanics; Association No. 101, Marine En- gincers; and Progressive Harbor. No. 9. As- scciation of Masters & Pilots of Steam Ves- sels of the United States. He has made a good record, and is deservedly popular among his fellow citizens.
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Brother, booksellers and stationers. At the age of 16 years he entered the carriage fac- tory of A. Wren & Sons. of Norfolk, where he served an apprenticeship of five years, and then worked two years as a journeyman. At the age of 20 years and 10 months he was mar- ried and then moved with his wife to Balti- more, Maryland, where he followed his trade. and in the meantime attended the Houck Night School for young men, from which he was graduated. He spent two or three years in Baltimore, Maryland. in North Carolina, and in Richmond, Virginia. He was then for some years a commercial traveler out of New- ark. New Jersey, and New York City, his line being coach and carriage varnishes. He took the civil service examination held under Presi- dent Cleveland, at Baltimore City College, and applied for a position in the postal service. He passed the examination but declined the proffered position. He was a student by na- ture, and while traveling took up the study of law. He subsequently returned to Ports- mouth, Norfolk County. Virginia, and applied himself to newspaper work, as a member of the staff of the Portsmouth Progress, the Portsmouth Star, the Portsmouth Enterprise and the Portsmouth Times at different periods. He was night and sporting editor of the Nor- folk T'irginian, and is now the Portsmouth city editor of the Vorfolk Landmark. For several years he was Southern correspondent for the Carriage Monthly, of Philadelphia. He was half-owner and the editor of the Evening Times, published at Portsmouth. During this time and for many years previously it was his custom to devote two hours of each day to study, to which practice, extending over 24 years, he still adheres. He mastered the pro- fession of law and was admitted to the bar by Circuit Judges J. Taylor Berry and Benjamin Gunter. He took up the practice of law in February, 1899, and in September, 1899, was given a certificate from the summer law school of the University of Virginia, signed by Will- iam M. Lile and Raleigh C. Miner, law pro-
fessors, which attested the fact that he had passed a satisfactory examination. He soon etstablished a good practice, and is now in partnership with James B. Hope, Jr., with a magnificent suite of offices on High street, the firm enjoying a large and lucrative practice. He is, as already stated, serving his fourth consecutive term in the General Assembly of Virginia, and in that body occupying an envi- able position, being one of its strongest and most conspicuous members. He is a promi- nent public speaker, both in political and fra- ternal circles. He is general counsel for sev- eral large business concerns, and his advice is frequently sought in matters of importance to the community. His life well illustrates that which may be accomplished, under most adverse circumstances, by perseverance and industry.
Mr. Bland was united in marriage with Josephine Hyselop, a daughter of William T. Hyselop, and they became parents of six chil- dren, the two eldest, Edgar Allen and Charles Raymond. being deceased. Those living are Ethel Maywood; Virginia Louise: William Marshall: and Eularia Frances. They reside at the northwest corner of Dinwiddie and King streets. Mr. Bland is a Democrat in politics. He has always voted in the Second Ward, and has been delegate to all political conventions,-municipal, congressional and gubernatorial. He has always evinced a deep interest in educational matters, and has been active in elevating the public school system. striving at all times to get the largest appro- priations possible for the public schools of the State. He is an active member of the Ports- mouth Business Men's Association, and was the founder of the Portsmouth Dime Savings Bank, whose charter he drew up. He or- ganized the second largest Pythian lodge in the State,-Seaside Lodge, No. 80, and con- ferred the three ranks on 217 members in three weeks, which is the record in Pythianism. He was grand chancellor of the Knights of Pyth- ias of Virginia but resigned August 1, 1900.
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VIRGINIUS BUTT.
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after serving half of his term. He still be- longs to the Grand Lodge and is also a mem- ber of the Improved Order of Red Men: In- dependent Order of Odd Fellows (of which he is past grand) ; Benevolent & Protective Order of Elks: Junior Order of United American Mechanics; Woodmen of the World ; Improved Order of Heptasoplis; and Knights of the Mystic Chain. He is staff captain of the First Regiment, Virginia Artillery; and is first assistant foreman of the Independent Steam Fire Engine Company. No. 1, the largest vol- unteer fire organization in the country. Mr. Bland is a man of estimable character, and has made legions of friends throughout this sec- tion of the State. He is a man in whom every- one places the most absolute confidence, as is evidenced by the overwhelming vote he re- ceives whenever his name is before the public as a candidate.
He is now very prominently mentioned for the office of Congressman, as he was two years ago, when he refused to allow his name to be used in the convention in that connection. His many friends insist that he allow them to show their appreciation of his sterling worth.
IRGINIUS BUTT. deceased. for many years a prominent and valued citizen of Portsmouth, Virginia, was com- missioner of revenue for a period of 18 years, and was pronounced the : best official who ever served in that capacity. He was born in Portsmouth September 30, 1848, and was a son of George W. and Eliza- beth A. (Wood) Butt, both natives of Vir- ginia.
George W. Butt was a carpenter by trade . members of the Court Street Baptist Church. and followed that occupation all his life. dy- ing in 1853. His widow is still living and is an honored resident of Portsmouth. She has passed the 75th milestone in the journey of life. He was a member of the Court Street Baptist Church. Four children blessed their
union, as follows: Ellis A., a resident of Portsmouth, who is chief clerk in the Navy Yard; Shelton L., who resides at Atlantic City. New Jersey: Virginius; and Otis, who died in infancy.
Virginius Butt attended school in Ports- mottth, after which he learned the trade of a carpenter .. He was engaged as a contractor and builder, under his own name, and built many fine residences and buildings in Ports- mouth. He went to work in the United States Navy Yard and was elected commissioner of revenue in 1880. His services were such that he was re-elected upon the expiration of liis term, and was re-elected each succeeding term for a period of 18 years. He served in that office until his death, November 11. 1898. at the age of 50 years. He was considered one of the solid business men of the city. and was everywhere held in the highest esteem. During the "seventies" he served as a member of the City Council. Fraternally he was a member of Atlantic Lodge. No. 24. K. of P., of which he was keeper of the seal for 26 years; A. F. & A. M. ; I. O. R. M. ; and Roval Arcanum. He was a Democrat in politics and took a deep interest in local affairs.
May II. 1870, Mr. Butt was joined in marriage with Sallie F. Grimes, a native of Portsmouth, and a daughter of Herbert and Frances ( Meiggs) Grimes, both her parents being dead. Her father was a farmer for years but was working in the Navy Yard when he contracted the yellow fever, in 1855, which re- sulted in his death. Mrs. Grimes was after- ward married to Richard Drake. and the sur- viving offspring of her second union are Varina and Adrienne. She died in May, 1899, at the age of 67 years. Mr. and Mrs. Grimes were Mr. and Mrs. Butt became the parents of three children, Lela E., Sadie H. and Virginius. Jr. 1.ela E. is the wife of William W. Perkins, by whom she has one daughter. Sallie Virginia. Mrs. Butt is a member of the Court Street Bap- tist Church, whilst the children belong to Mon-
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ummental Methodist Episcopal Church, South, of Portsmouth. A portrait of the subject of this sketch appears on a preceding page.
ILLIAM E. WARREN, the ac- commodating commander of the steamer "Virginia." running be- tween Newport News and Nor- folk, has been in the employ of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway Company for the past 19 years. He first served as mate for some time, until he was advanced to his pres- ent postion as master, and has held the latter position for the past 14 years. William E. Warren was born January 9. 1856. in Rich- mond. Virginia, and is a son of Elijah E. and Amanda ( Quarles) Warren.
Elijah E. Warren as born in Massachu- setts, and after obtaining his scholastic train- ing adopted the occupation of a bookkeeper. He was united in marriage with Amanda Quarles, a native of Richmond, Virginia, and they had six children, of whom three survive. namely: Charles H .. who is a prosperous druggist in Richmond : William E., the subject hereci: and John A .. who is engaged in the printing business at Richmond. Mr. Warren was a decided Democrat in his political opin- ions, and was at one time assistant city treas- urer of Richmond. He and his worthy wife were both devoted members of the Protestant Episcopal Church during their lives, and were ever faithful to their religious vows. In 1880 Mr. Warren died, at the age of 75 years, and his wife survived him for six years, and died at the age of 65 years. In fraternal circles Mr. Warren was considered a prominent member of the Masonic order.
William E. Warren attended the public schools at Richmond. After the close of his school days he went to sca, and made two voy- ages to South America as cabin boy. On his re- turn he worked on the coasting vessels plying between Richmond, Norfolk Philadelphia and
New York, and learned much that helped him during later years. His next position was on a tug-boat on Chesapeake Bay and the James River. where he held the position of mate. and later was promoted to be master. Soon after- ward he entered the employ of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway Company, as mate, and later became master, which latter position he still holds 'on the steamer "Virginia."
Mr. Warren was united in marriage, Oc- tober 25, 1898, with Annie Higgins, who was Lorn in Richmond, Virginia, in 1876, a daugh- ter of William H. and Jeannette Higgins. They have two children,-William H .. born in IS99. and Mabel Louise, born August 22. 1901. Mr. and Mrs. Warren are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Fra- ternally, Mr. Warren is a member of the Elks. Norfolk Lodge. No. 38. B. P. O. E. He is esteemed and respected as a representative citizen.
APT. WILLIAM E. LUCKETT. who is in command of the steamer "Washington," running between Norfolk and Washington, D. C., is one of the most able seamen who has charge of a vessel between those two ports. He was born in Washington, D. C., December 29. 1854, and is a son of Francis and Jane (Dove) Luckett. He comes of a patriotic family. both of his grandfathers having served in the War of 1812.
Francis Luckett, the father of William E .. was born in Washington, D. C., and was also a master mariner. He died at the age of 52 years. His wife, a native of Virginia, still survives him, and is making her home in Washington, D. C. Eleven children were born to this couple, five of whom still survive. They are John F .: Francis M .; William E .; Miranda: and Jane.
Capt. William E. Luckett, grew to man- hocd in Washington, D. C., where he received his education. When 13 years old he went on
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CAPT. JOHN F. CASON.
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one of his father's sailing vessels and in 1879 pay schools of Norfolk County, and after leav- ing school went into the employ of the Alber- became a licensed pilot, although he had been a pilot two years previous to that time. The : marle & Chesapeake Canal Company at Great first steamer of which he was given command was the "Excelsior." which belonged to the Potomac Company. He was given command of the "Newport News." of which he was cap- tain until transferred to the captainship of the steamer "Washington." This vessel is one of the most modern, up-to-date steamers plying between Washington and Norfolk. Captain Luckett was given charge of that steamer April 16, 1901. He has been in his present employ for the past eight years, and has never had a complaint made against him, nor has he. been brought before the harbor master for any mismanagement. His record is a clean one, worthy of the highest praise. He is held in high csteem by all who have aught to do with him, and is a man of honor and fine character.
Captain Luckett married Blanche G. Ad- ams, of Washington, D. C.,' and they make their home at No. 1009 5th street, southeast. in that city. The Captain is a member of An- drew Jackson Lodge. No. 120. A. F. & A. M .. of Alexandria, Virginia: Mount Vernon Chapter, No. 14, R. A. M .; Old Dominion Guard, No. 1I, K. T .; Lodge No. 4, Order of the Eastern Star, of Washington, D. C .; and Harbor No. 31, Association of Masters & Pilots of Steam Vessels of the United States.
APT. JOHN F. CASON, who is in command of the steamer "Pennsyl- vania," of Philadelphia, was born in Norfolk County, Virginia, and is a son of Frederick and Margaret (Wallace) Cason, both natives of Virginia. The father was a farmer by occupation, and died in 1866, being survived by his wife, who lives at Brambleton. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. South.
Captain Cason was five years of age when his father died. He attended the public and
Bridge and remained in that connection for two years. He then went aboard the steamer "Lynnhaven." as deck-hand, running between Norfolk and North Carolina ports. After con- tinuing as such for a period of six or eight months he went. as mate, on board the steamer "Hygeia," running between Elizabeth City, North Carolina, and Fairfield, North Carolina, and carrying mail. Two years later he com- menced as pilot on the steamer "Lizzie May." used in building the Norfolk & Southern Rail- road. After spending six months in that ca- pacity, Captain Cason became mate on the steamer "Carrie," making the same ports as the "Hygeia." The vessel broke down and he came to Norfolk on board the tug "Nettie." owned by the wrecker. James Cole. He con- tinued as mate on this tug for two years, and then became its captain. He was subsequently captain on the tug "Gates." owned by Joseph Baker, and also on the "Mollie Wentz." and others. He was next captain of the "Belle of Virginia," belonging to Mr. Wimple, and was engaged in towing between Murfreesboro and Norfolk. He continued thus for one year. and then became captain of the tug "Norfolk." belonging to the New York & Pennsylvania Railroad Company. Subsequently he was cap- tain of the tugs "Portsmouth" and "Philadel- phia." After the lapse of six years he went on the steamer "New York." as mate, and in a short time was advanced to be captain. He was afterward on the steamer "Cape Charles." of the same line, until she was burned. In March, 1899, he assumed command of the "Pennsylvania," which runs between Cape Charles and Norfolk.
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