USA > Virginia > City of Norfolk > City of Norfolk > History of Norfolk County, Virginia and representative citizens, V.2 > Part 3
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Aware that he has never sought office, and that possibly any disability under which he may be laboring. or has been. may be soon re- moved and without his knowledge, his name is hereby presented to the voters of Portsmouth as one eminently qualified to adorn the office of mayor." He was an honored Knight of Pythias, and had passed through all the de- grees of Masonry from entered apprentice to Knight Templar. He was past master, past high priest and past eminent commander. His high standing in all benevolent societies with which he was connected, betokens the heart of the man, for he was charitable and unselfish to a degree which merits the highest admiration. He was one of the bravest of the brave Con- federate soldiers -- courageous, calm and fear- less on the field of battle. His faithfulness to his friends is aptly illustrated by Judge Claud- ius W. Murdaugh, for whom he risked his life to snatch from the jaws of death. We quote in full from an address delivered before Stone- wall Camp, in describing the battle of Salem Church. Judge Murdough said: "It was my destiny to be shot down by a ball through the hip, and I fell about midway between the two lines, and here my personal recollections of the battle of Chancellorsville cease. But I hope you will pardon me for this personal allusion. I have referred to it particularly. in order to pay. in this connection, a merited tribute to two as brave and gallant Virginians as ever trod God's green earth. When our company reached the main lines, as I was afterward in- formed, there was an inquiry made as to where I was, and one of the men who was by my side. in falling back, answered that I had been shot. and as he supposed, killed ; immediately a comrade sprung to his feet and cried out, '1s there any one who will volunteer with me to bring him behind the lines?' The inquiry had scarcely been made before the response came from another, 'I will.' And it was no sooner said than these two brave and gallant spirits jumped over the fence, behind which cur forces were lying, and rushing to the spot
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where they had been directed, they seized me and bore me to the rear ; let it be remembered that this was done at a time when the Federals were pouring forth volley after volley in rapid succession. when the air was full of missiles. when streams of shot and shell screamed and hissed on every side. And as I now recall. it seems to me almost miraculous how anything could live under such a terrible fire. And vet these two men dared brave it all-shell. canis- ter and bullets-to save a friend. I refer with swelling heart to these two gallant souls, and when history tells of herces who fell it can tell of none truer or braver than Major Charles R. McAlpine and Capt. John Hobday-the one survived the war, lived and was ever honored and respected by our people. as he justly de- served : the other was killed at Burgess' Mill October 27, 1864, while gallantly leading his company.
The nation may have no niche for such he- roes, but they will ever be honored by the truly brave men, wherever their deeds are recited. Upon the breaking out of the war Dr. Mc- Alpine raised a company and organized at Glebe's school house, composed of material from both city and country, called the Bilisoly Blues, which was first attached to the 41st Reg- iment, and subsequent to the organization of the regiment at Petersburg was transferred and became Company I, 6Ist Regiment, Virginia Infantry. On the evacuation of Norfolk and Portsmouth, Captain McAlpine and his com- pany were ordered to join the troops around Richmond, and were held on reserve at that point during the memorable Seven Days' fight- ing. . The military career of the deceased here commenced, and for cool, decided courage and manly daring, was unsurpassed by any soldier of the Confederacy during the eventful four years' struggle. He was engaged in the fol- lowing battles: Catlett's Station, September 27. 1862; Fredericksburg, December 11. 12 and 13, 1862; Zoar Church, April 30, 1863: McCarty's Farm, May 1, 1863; Chancellors- ville, May 2 and 3, 1863; Salem Church, May
3. 1863 ; Gettysburg, July 2 and 3. 1863 ; picket fight. July 4, 1863: Bristow Station, October 14, 1863: Mine Run. December 2, 1863: Wil- derness, May 6, 1864; Shady Grove, May 8, 1864: Spottsylvania Court House, May 12. 1864: Hanover Junction, May 28, 1864: Cold Harbor, June 2 and 3. 1864; Turkey Ridge (skirmishing), June 4 to 13, 1864: Frazier's Farm. June 13, 1864; Wilcox Farm ( Peters- burg). June 22, 1864; Gurley House, June 23. 1864; Johnson's Farm, August 19, 1864: Ream's Station. August 25. 1864: Burgess' Mill. October 29. 1864; Hatcher's Run, Feb- ruary 6, 1865. At the battle of Spottsylvania Court House, Captain McAlpine was promoted to major for gallant daring at the battle of Frazier's Farm, where he was badly wounded in the shoulder. On March 23. 1865. he sent into the War Department his resignation as major of thie 6Ist for the purpose of obtaining authority to raise a battalion of partisan rang- ers, to operate along the Blackwater River. The fall of the Confederacy a few days later, of course defeated this purpose. The chivalric bearing and soldierly character that adds lus- tre to the military record of Major McAlpine during the great struggle, is evidenced by let- ters given him by Colonial Groner. Colonel Stewart and Adjutant Taylor, to present to the War Department for a separate command, each paying fitting tribute to his military ability and personal characteristics. The fall of the Con- federacy came before Major McAlpine could formulate his plans for an independent com- mand, and after the surrender he returned to Portsmouth and resumed the practice of his profession, which he pursued with unfaltering zeal and faithfulness until his death, February 14, 1876. He was a true friend, a good citi- zen, a brave soldier and a noble man.
Dr. Charles R. McAlpine was married February 24, 1852, to Mrs. Elizabeth Anne Land, and the living children of this union are : Yates; Kennetli, Past Assistant Engineer. U. S. Navy: Newton ; William Lewis ; and James Fisher. Miss Yates McAlpine married James
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Edwin Wilson, a native citizen and prominent merchant of Portsmouth, who died in 1884, at the age of 36 years. They had one son, Charles D. Willard.
H. SARGEANT, Jr., is prominent among the young lawyers of Nor- folk, who have displayed ability in the practice of their profession.
He began practice in the city in 1896, and in the time which has since elapsed has been identified with numerous important litigations, being counsel for several prominent concerns. He was reared in the vicinity of Norfolk, Virginia, and is a son of W. H. Sar- geant. city librarian, and a nephew of Lieuten- ant Carter Williams, of Mahone's Brigade, C. S. Army, and of General Sheldon Sargeant, an officer of the Federal Army of the Intersec- tional War.
W. H. Sargeant. Jr., received his intellec- tutal training in the local schools and in the Norfolk Academy. He then prepared himself for the legal profession in the University of Virginia, from which institution he was grad- uated in 1895. As he had not yet reached his majority he entered the law offices of White- hurst & Hughes, and in March. 1896, was ad- mitted to the bar. He continued with the firm above mentioned until September, 1896, since which time he has practiced alone and has achieved unqualified success. He devotes a great portion of his time to real estate and corporation law, represents the interests of a number of Northern capitalists and is also attorney for the Guarantee Building & Loan' Association, Old Dominion Building & Loan Association, National Building & Loan Asso- ciation. of Baltimore, Merchants' & Mechan- ics' Loan and Investment Company, Colonial Savings & Investment Association and Calvert Building & Loan Association. Politically he is unswerving in his. support of the Democratic party, and firmly believes in the principles which it advocates. He has been an enthusi-
astic party worker, and formerly served as pres- ident of the Third Ward Democratic Club. He is a rising young politician and only missed be- ing sent to the State Legislature by two votes. He is now a member of the City Council from the Third Ward.
Fraternally Mr. Sargeant is senior warden of Owens Lodge, No. 164, A. F. & A. M., and scribe in Norfolk United Chapter, No. 1, R. A. M. He is a member of the B. P. O. E., in which order he is esteemed leading knight, and belongs to the I. O. R. M. He has been prominently identified with other organi- zations of a worthy character. For some time he was secretary of the Y. M. C. A. Debating Society; secretary of the local assembly of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew : secretary of Nor- folk Lodge, No. 125, Knights of the Mystic Chain: and secretary of St. George's Society; at present he is a member of the gymnasium committee of the Young Men's Christian Asso- ciation. He is also historian of Pickett-Budia- ran Camp, Sons of Confederate Veterans.
APT. J. H. KEGEBEIN, who is cap- tain of Chemical Engine Company, No. I, of the Norfolk Fire Depart- ment, is well known in that city. He was born in New York City Septem- ber 23. 1864, and is a son of Charles F. Kege- bein. When he was 12 years old he removed to Norfolk. where he completed his mental training. When a very young man he worked in a furniture store, and later in grocery stores. His first work in the Norfolk Fire Department was as a volunteer fireman, and in December, 1887, he was promoted to hoseman. In 1894 he was again promoted, this time to be driver of Engine Company No. 1. In July, 1895. Capt. Kegebein was appointed captain of En- gine Company No. 1. at headquarters, and "held this office until 1896, when the chem- ical engine was added. February 12, 1895. he was appointed to his present position.
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He has been in some large fires and has ren- dered much valuable service, always acting with splendid judgment and precision. The chemical engine has prevented many disastrous fires, such as that at the Davis furniture store, which was on fire and was extinguished with- ont water. At another time a vessel belong- ing to the Merchants' and Miners' Steamship Company caught fire and burned four hours before it landed. The fire was supposed to have been put out before it landed, but to make sure, the chemical company was called. When the hatchway was opened a draught started the fire anew. Captain Kegebein had charge of the company, and after much careful work the fire was ex- tinguished. This same company also did great service in extinguishing the fire on the seventh floor of the Citizens' Bank building, for which it received the highest com- mendation. Captain Kegebein has made many valuable improvements at the engine house. His career as a fighter of flames has been an excellent one, and he bids fair to make many advancements in his chosen field of work.
Captain Kegebein married Almeda Fisk. a daughter of James Fisk, of Princess Anne County, Virginia. The children which re- sulted from this union are named Grace; Lil- lian: John; and Frederick. The subject of this sketch is a member of the I. O. O. F., I. O. R. M. and K. of P.
ON. C. BROOKS JOHNSTON, vice-president and general manager of the Norfolk Railway & Light Com- pany, whose portrait accompanies this sketch, was mayor of Norfolk, Vir- ginia, from May, 1898, until the spring of 1901. In the discharge of the duties of public office, the same general business abiity was dis- played as characterized the conduct of his own affairs. He effected many needed reforms during his administration, placed the city on a
good financial bases, and enforced measures which promoted the health and prosperity of the community.
Mr. Johnston was born August 1. 1854, in Norfolk, Virginia, where he attended pri- vate schools until he was 14 years of age, and then began to earn his own living. He was employed in the large drug store of C. A. San- tos and subsequently became bookkeeper for Mapp & Company. wholesale dealers in stoves and tinware. He was in partnership with his father for four years in the retail grocery bus- iness on Main street. During the year 1.880 he went to work for the Norfolk Knitting & Cotton Manufacturing Company, as book- keeper, and so well did he serve their interests that in January, 1882, he was promoted to be superintendent of the plant. In 1885, in con- nection with W. C. Dickson. he became lessee of the mill which they have since operated. This is the pioneer knitting mill built south of Mason and Dixon's line, and under the excel- lent management of the present proprietors its capacity has been trebled. It has never been closed for want of orders and gives employ- ment to over 200 persons. There is perfect harmony between employers and employees. and to the credit of both it may be said that there has never been any friction in the mill. Aside from this business Mr. Johnston was elected on September 1, 1899, Ist vice-presi- dent and general manager of the Norfolk Rail- way & Light Company.
Mr. Johnston has always been an enthusi- astic Democrat, and from boyhood has taken an active interest in party affairs. In 1886 he was elected a member of the Board of Super- visors of Norfolk County, representing the district of Tanner's Creek. While serving in that capacity he was largely instrumental in preventing the removal of the County Court House from Portsmouth. When Atlantic City was annexed to Norfolk, in 1890, he was made chairman of the local board of improvement. and filled that position until February. ISoS. During this period he also served two terms in
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the Common Council of Norfolk, from the Sixth Ward, and for about six years was a member of the City Democratic Executive Committee, of which he was chairman. Al- though opposed by two strong candidates. Cap- tain W. R. Mayo, then mayor of Norfolk, and Police Commissioner George H. Dawes, Mr. Johnston was elected mayor in 1898, lacking but a few votes of having a majority over both of his opponents. His practical business meth- ods were carried into office with him, and his record as mayor was a brilliant one. At the sacrifice of his private interests, he devoted his attention to the welfare of the city and his ad- ministration resulted in greater progress than that of any of his predecessor. Realizing that the public schools were not what they should be he set about to remedy defects, and the city can now boast of schools as fine as any city in the State can show. He was instrumental in placing the municipal bonds upon a four per cent. basis, which resulted in a saving of thousands of dollars annually. Probably the greatest amount of good accomplished during his term of office was in the reorganization of the Board of Health, by reason of which the lives of citizens were better protected. Shortly after going into office smallpox became preva- lent and spread with alarming rapidity. No salary was attached to the office of member of the Board of Health, and it was entirely with- out a head. The officials were unable to cope with the dread disease, and the same conditions existed the follow year. Being strongly impor- tuned to become president of the board, Mr. Johnston, after some hestitancy, consented. He realized the danger of a pest-house within the city limits and through the action of General Wyman received permission to use Craney Isl- and without expense to the city. Craney Isl- and was then under the direction of the Navy Department. Thomas Martin secured the transfer of control to the U. S. Marine Hos- pital, which was in charge of General Wyman. That officer, in response to the urgent appeal of Mr. Johnston, turned it over to Norfolk
City. Such measures were at once instituted as have afforded protection to the city and at a very small cost. Through his promptness of action and keen foresight, the city was saved from yellow fever during the epidemic at Hampton. Mr. Johnston was re-elected to succeed himself. but resigned to accept the po- sition he now holds and to attend to his private business.
On September 10, 1895, Mr. Johnston was joined in marriage with Clara M. Goodwin, a daughter of Benjamin F. Tebeault, and they reside in the Sixth Ward, where they are sur- rounded by all the comforts of a happy home. A man of high character and pleasing personal- |ity, Mr. Johnston has greatly endeared him- self to the people of Norfolk, who recognize in : him a citizen of sterling worth.
ILLIAM W. MARSHALL, secre- tary and treasurer of the Security Loan & Trust Company, and pres- ident of the Personal Property Mu- tual Fire Insurance Association. of which he was a prime organizer, is one of the live realty men of Norfolk. Virginia, and stands well to the front among the hustlers who have promoted the progress, advancement and development of that city.
Mr. Marshall is a son of James T. Mar- shall. a prominent insurance man of Norfolk. where young Marshall was born, reared and educated. When grown to manhood the son engaged in clerking in a large clothing house in his native city and followed that line of business until 1897. He then went into the real-estate business and from the start has made a specialty of selling suburban property. His first month's work proved that he had nat- ural ability for the work, as he sold over $15,000 worth of lots in Virginia Place, and has been one of the principal workers in the early development of that section.
In 1899 Mr. Marshall became associated
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with Abbott Morris and others under the firm name of Morris, Marshall & Company, in the real estate business, and the partnership then formed existed until March, 1901. when it was dissolved. This firm was strictly up-to- date and enterprising, as the result of their labor goes to show. They purchased unim- proved lots in Virginia Place, Park Place and Brambleton, building fine modern residences upon them. After otherwise improving the lots, they were sold and now stand among the most beautiful and valuable suburban homes in the city. This company also carried on fire insurance as a side line, and by so doing added to their already large income.
Since the beginning of 1901 Mr. Marshall has conducted the same kind of business, buy- ing lots, improving and building npon them and afterward selling at good round figures, by which he realized a neat sum on each invest -. ment. He is connected with various other en- terprises of Norfolk.
Mr. Marshall is one of the few men who can take one dollar, invest it carefully. and in a short time realize two in, its- stead. Who- ever can do this has his future insured in the financial world, and is accounted among the successful men of his day.
ON. R. RANDOLPH HICKS, one of Norfolk's ablest lawyers, was born in Warrenton, Virginia, in 1870. There lie was reared and educated by pri- vate teachers, later attending the Epis- copal High School. from which he was gradu- ated in 1886. He then took a course at the University of Virginia, completing the law course in that institution in 1890.
Mr. Hicks entered upon his law career at Roanoke, Virginia, where he opened an office. He became interested in politics, and at the age of 23 years was elected chairman of the local committee of the Democratic party. He is an able aud fluent speaker, and during the
year 1897-1898 made a number of campaign speeches, and was elected a member of the State Legislature. During this time he had also succeeded in building up a good practice, but desiring a larger field decided to locate in Norfolk. He spent much of the year of 1897. in Norfolk and a year later gave up his practice in Roanoke entirely, and removed to Norfolk. He has established a fine practice in that city, and represents many of the leading enterprises in Norfolk. He stands high in the estimation of his fellow citizens, and is well known in Norfolk County as a man of much ability.
Mr. Hicks married Ella Johnson Kerr. a daughter of State's Attorney Charles G. Kerr, of Baltimore, Maryland.
R ICHARD L. FORREST, who is em- ployed as chief clerk in the joint de- partment of the Norfolk & Western Railway Company and Merchants' & Miners' Transportation Company, is one of the best-known young business men of Norfolk. Virginia. He was born in Norfolk January 18, 1869. and is a son of W. S. For- rest. W. S. Forrest was born in 1817 at Lon- don Bridge. Princess Anne County, Virginia. and possessed great literary ability. He wrote the history of Norfolk and vicinity in 1853. and also the history of the yellow fever epi- demic in Norfolk, in 1856. He was editor of the old Norfolk Argus, which was published in Norfolk about 40 years ago. He contributed many articles to leading papers and magazines. winning for himself quite a reputation in the field of literary labor. His death occurred in 1878.
Richard L. Forrest was educated in the private school of Prof. William R. Galt, and at the early age of 16 years secured a position with the Merchants' & Miners', Transportation Company. Later he was employed by the Nor- folk & Western Railway Company and the Old Dominion Steamship Company.
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Mr. Forrest was united in marriage with Sallie Robertson, a Virginian by birth. He was elected to the City Council from Atlantic City Ward, in May, 1900, and is now a mem- ber of the Select Council. being chairman of the park committee.
HOMAS JEFFERSON RAN- DOLPH, one of the most prominent lawyers of the city of Norfolk, is a descendant of the illustrious Thomas Jefferson, third President of the United States, and the founder of Democracy. He is also descended from the famous Tuck- ahoe branch of Virginia Randolphs. He was born in Albemarle County, Virginia, July 21. 1868. and is a son of Captain W. L. Randolph, C. S. Army, who, through his mother, was a great-grandson of Thomas Jefferson.
Thomas J. Randolph attended school at Charlottesville, and further pursued his studies at McCabe's university school. Petersburg, and at the University of . Virginia, where he ma- triculated in 1886. He received the degrees of B. A. and. B. Ph. from the latter institution in 1889, and in 1891 received the degree of M. A. He then studied law, and at the same time, during the session of 1891-1892, was instruc- tor in modern languages in the Norfolk Acad- emy. He was admitted to the bar in 1892, and has since been engaged in active practice. Al- thoughi in a sense a conservative man, and one who can be depended upon at all times, ag- gressiveness has characterized his career from the start and gained for him a prominent posi- tion at the bar. He is a great upholder of the principles of Democracy, and during cani- paigns does considerable stump-speaking. He has always been identified with the Third Ward and has been active in the Third Ward Democratic Club. He was elected a member of the City Democratic Executive Committee in 1898. for a period of two years, and was re-elected in 1900 for two years more. He
was elected a delegate from the Third Ward to the gubernatorial convention which nom- inated Governor Tyler in 1897. and to the city convention of 1899, to nominate candidates for the State Legislature. He was elected a mem- ber of the board of school trustees in IS98 for a period of four years. Mr. Randolph has taken an active part in military affairs, having served six years in the Lee Rifles, Company A .. Fourth Regiment. Virginia Infantry, and was also adjutant of the battalion of Naval Re- serves, under Commander Cannon.
November 14. 1895. Mr. Randolph was united in marriage with Laura Lester, the daughter of Hon. Rufus E. Lester, a member of Congress from the First District of Georgia. They have two daughters, Laura Lester and Martha Jefferson. Mr. Randolph is a past master of Ruth Lodge, No. 89. A. F. & A. M .; and also past sachem of Black Hawk Tribe. No. 57, I. O. R. M., which he represented at the great council held at Danville.
TRANK T. CLARK, a member of the firm known as the Frank T. Clark Company. Limited, successors to Cooke, Clark & Company, dealers in sash, doors, blinds, hardware, etc., and gas and electric combination fixtures, is one of the most enterprising men of Norfolk, Virginia. He was born in Norfolk April 21. 1856, and is a son of Tarleton Woodson Clark, who was a lifelong resident of Norfolk.
Frank T. Clark received his mental train- ing in the schools of Norfolk, where he grew to manhood. He has devoted all his time to mercantile pursuits since beginning an active business career. The business house now known as the Frank T. Clark Company, Lim- ited, was established by Luther Sheldon in 1870. January 1, 1889, Mr. Sheldon sold the business to W. T. Cooke and Frank T. Clark, and the firm became known as Cooke, Clark & Company, under which style it continued
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