USA > Virginia > City of Norfolk > City of Norfolk > History of Norfolk County, Virginia and representative citizens, V.2 > Part 30
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Captain Cason was united in marriage, in 1884, with Bettie D. Tatem, a daughter of Joseph and Jane ( Sparrow ) Tatem. She was born in Norfolk County. Virginia. in 1862, and died March 19, 1895. They became the par- ents of six children, of whom four are now
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HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
living, namely: Alexander W .; Bettie T .; Jennie S .; and Clyde G. Religiously the cap- tain is a member of St. Paul's Protestant Epis- copal Church, of Berkley. In politics he is a stanch supporter of the principles of Democra- cy. He has had a life of stirring activity and has met with many interesting adventures on the water. A man of strong personality, he has the good will and respect of everyone with whom he comes in contact. A portrait of Captain Cason accompanies this sketch of his liic.
EANDER T. BLICK, one of Norfolk's oldest contractors and builders, who has been engaged in that business in Norfolk County for over 50 years, was born in Petersburg, Virginia. in
I829. He is a son of Thomas Blick, who served in the War of 1812, and spent most of his life as a civilian in Petersburg.
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Leander T. Blick, whose name opens these lines, was reared and schooled in Petersburg. He served an apprenticeship at house building and general carpentry. and in the fall of 1850 came to Norfolk, where he worked at his trade until 1855. He then began general contract- ing, the first two houses which he erected being on Church street. between Alain and Water streets, for Louis Salisbury. His first partner in business was John Edmonds. but the firm soon became known as Blick & Jakeman. Mr. Jakeman having become a partner in the busi- ness. This firm continued unchanged for 25 years. When Mr. Jakeman died Mr. Blick took his son into partnership. He has worked mostly on residences, and some of the best homes in Ghent and Norfolk have been erected by him. He has also built many of the large stores and warehouses in Norfolk. He has a thorough knowledge of contracting and build- ing. and his many years of experience prove his ability to compete with newer firms. Al- though Mr. Blick is represented in the firmn and looks after the business, his son takes most
of the active charge of the business, and is one of the most prominent business men of the city.
Mr. Blick married Amanda Belote, a daughter of James L. Belote, of Norfolk. She died in 1875. and of eight children born to this union, those living are as follows: Alice, wife of Walter H. Barnes, of Goldsboro, North Car- olina : James Thomas, who is engaged in busi- ness with his father: Charles F .. who is a wholesale and retail grocer, of Portsmouth: and Lillie Irene.
Mr. Blick served 12 months in the Con- federate War. being stationed in the Navy Yard at Portsmouth. He has served as a mem- ber of the City Council of Norfolk, and is a member of the Board of Trade and Business Men's Association of Norfolk. He has always been an active member of the I. O. O. F .. serv- ing in all the offices of the local lodge and in the Grand Lodge of the State. He has never drawn benefits from this lodge. Mr. Blick is one of the best known of the older citizens of Norfolk County, and is a man of charitable deeds, and a kind and generous nature.
OSEPH C: PRINCE, who holds the re- sponsible position of superintendent of the warehouses of the Norfolk Ware- house Association, has been engaged in the cotton business all his life. He was born in Norfolk, Virginia. December 29. 1866, and is a son of Michael and Margaret Prince.
Joseph C. Prince attended the schools of . Norfolk, where he grew to manhood. When he was a mere boy he began work in the cot- ton warehouses at Norfolk, and has filled every position in that business. The cotton industry is one of the leading industries of Norfolk. and Mr. Prince has charge of all the cotton which comes into the warehouses of the Nor- folk Warehouse Association. He fills the po- sition of superintendent with great acceptabil- ity, and is fully qualified to hold any position
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GEORGE A. BEW.
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in the cotton business. He has a thorough knowledge of the industry, and too much credit cannot be given him for the manner in which he takes charge of the cotton which comes into Norfolk. He is also superintendent of a large ice plant, which is a part of the Norfolk warehouse system, and of a mill for grinding plaster rock used for fertilizing. Attention is paid to the two last-mentioned industries in the summer, when the cotton trade is slack.
EORGE A. BEW. State Pilot for the State of Virginia, whose portrait ac- companies this mention, resides at Norfolk, and is an experienced navi- gator and pilot, whose equal is rarely met with by reason of his broad experience in that line of work. Mr. Bew is a native of Nor- folk, where his birth took place February 2. 1872, and his early mental training was ob- tained from the public schools of that city. In 1889 he began the life of a seaman, doing his first work in a pilot boat. After serving a five years' apprenticeship under the Virginia Pilots' Association Mr. Bew was granted a license in 1894. as a Virginia State Pilot. Af- ter receiving his license he served on "Phan- tom No. 5." "William Starkey No. 2." and "William A. Graves No. 6." all pilot boats. At . the present time he is serving as active pilot. either on the "Relief" or the "Willian 1. Graves," the inner vessel.
The duties of a pilot are very important. as upon the pilots alone depends the safety of the vessel and all its passengers. It is the duty of these pilots to cruise at sea and meet
all foreign steamers, steering them through dangerous places to Norfolk, Newport News and Hampton Roads. The United States Nav- igation Laws requires one pilot to be at the out-harbor constantly, which accounts for the outgoing and incoming pilot boats.
Mr. Bew is a son of Thomas J. and Cor- delia (Sexton) Bew. His father is a boat- builder by trade and resides in Norfolk. being a prominent member of the Epworth League,
Mr. Prince is a member of the Common i of that city. His mother is an Episcopalian Council of Norfolk, and has also served as ,and is an active member of Christ Protestant a member of the Select Council for three terms. having been elected on the straight Democratic ticket. He never sought political preferment and only accepted this office at the earnest solicitation of his friends. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum and Elk lodges. Episcopal Church. Eight children were born to them, of whom four only are now among the living. They are: John W. and Charles D., both of whom are clerks in mercantile es- tablishinent- in Norfolk; Nellie B., who mar- ried Capt. James G. Peake. a member of the Virginia Pilots' Association; and George A .. the subject of this brief narrative. Like his mother, Mr. Bew is an Episcopalian. Fratern- ally he is a Mason of high degree. holding membership in Norfolk Lodge, No. I. A. F. & A. M .; Norfolk United Chapter. No. I. R. A. M. : and Commandery, No. 16, K. T., of Norfolk: and of Acca Temple, A. A. O. N. M. S .. of Richmond, Virginia. He also affili- ates with Norfolk Lodge, No. 32. I. O. O. F., and Minerva ribe. No. 100. 1. O. R. M. In politics he favors the Democratic party, but has never been prevailed upon to accept office. Hle is, however, filling his place as a good citi- zen of Norfolk and is esteenied by his many acquaintances.
APT. CHARLES H. JOHNSON. who holds the responsible position of harbor master at Norfolk, Vir- ginia, is a son of Capt. William Y. Jolinson, and was born in Balti- more, Maryland, November 17, 1855
Capt. William Y. Jolinson was one of the best-known men of Norfolk. He was born in Dauphin County. Pennsylvania. He received
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HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
his preliminary education in the schools of his native county, after which he began work on a railroad in the neighborhood where he was raised. In 1868 he left his native State and removed to Virginia, first locating at Ports- mouth. In 1881 he settled in Norfolk, where he continued in the line of business which he entered upon coming South. He was inspector of steamboats at Norfolk for many years, and was otherwise interested in marine service. In 1885 he was selected as one of Norfolk's rep- resentatives in the Virginia. House of Dele- gates, where he served for two sessions. He was for a number of years a member of the City Councils. In 1894 he was appointed in- spector of hulls of steam vessels. a position which is under the civil service rules. His rec- ord in that position could not have been better, and he performed his duties with faithfulness until the time of his death, which occurred in Norfolk, October 5. 1901. His wife, Huldah M. Johnson, who was born in Maryland, is still living at her home in Norfolk. Their family consisted of four children. namely :
Charles H .: Wood P .: Hattie H .: and Por- ter Y. Capt. William Y. Johnson was a genial and courteous gentleman. greatly beloved by all, and his death was deeply felt in the con- munity. He had served his county and State with distinction, and the place he occupied will not be easily filled.
Capt. Charles H. Johnson. the subject of this biography. came to Norfolk when he was a mere boy. There he was schooled, and at the age of I4 years began his life as a mariner. He first served as clerk on one of his father's vessels, and filled various positions up to those of pilot and master. His first command was that of the "Harbinger." of which vessel he took charge in 1878. He continued in steam- boat service until 1897. when he was appointed to his present position of harbor master. Each day finds him at his post of duty, discharging his duties in a faithful and conscientious man- ner. He is a man of honor and integrity, and possesses a pleasing personality. Captain
Johnson is a member of the Association of Masters & Pilots of Steam Vessels of the United States.
h ON. D. TUCKER BROOKE, attorney- at-law and ex-judge, stands at the head of his profession in Norfolk, Norfolk County, Virginia. He was born in Richmond, Virginia, April 28. 1852, and comes of a long line of distin- guished ancestors, many of whom resided in Richmond. He is a son of Hon. Henry L. Brooke, grandson of Hon. John T. Brooke and great-nephew of Robert Brooke, who was gov- ernor of Virginia in 1794.
Hon. John T. Brooke was a leading lawyer of his day. He had a brother. Francis T., (h) was also an attorney and judge, and another brother, Dr. Lawrence Brooke.
Hon. Henry L. Brooke was Common- wealth's attorney of Richmond for several years. He married Virginia Tucker. a sister of Hon. John Randolph Tucker, of Richmond.
Hon. D. Tucker Brooke attended private schools in his native city, and then completed an academic course at the school of Virginius Dabney. at Middleburg. Virginia. He took a course of one year in the University of Vir- ginia, after which he taught public and private schools for a period of nine years. July II. 1873. he entered the law office of Hon. Taze- well Taylor, where he thoroughly digested Blackstone, and was admitted to practice law in October. 1874. He then opened an office with George McIntosh under the firm name of McIntosh & Brooke. which continued until 1879. Mr. Brooke then continued alone until Tune, ISSo, when a partnership was formed with Thomas R. Borland. In February, 1884. the subject of this sketch was elected by the legislature to fill an unexpired term of Judge Godwin, as judge of the Corporation Court. He served in a most creditable manner, and was re-elected by the legislature for a term
833-834
MATT. M. TUNIS.
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AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.
of six years, ending in 1895. He then re- turned to the practice of his profession in Nor- folk, where he enjoys a very large clientage. His ability as a counsellor and advocate are well known, and as a citizen, who has every interest of the city at heart. he ranks equally high. June 12, 1901, Mr. Brooke took his seat in the Constitutional Convention at Rich- mond.
Judge Brooke was joined in marriage with Lucy B. Higgins, a daughter of Ignatius Hig- gins of Norfolk, and they became parents of six children, as follows: Lucy D. ; Eloise M. ; Henry Lawrence; Mary Walton; Lena Ran- dolph ; and Marguerita Custis.
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m ATT M. TUNIS. a prominent rep- resentative of the younger element of the legal profession of Norfolk, Virginia, whose portrait is here- with shown. has displayed excep- tional ability in his chosen vocation, and al- ready commands a lucrative practice. He was born in Talbot County, Maryland, in 1873. and is a son of Theophilus Tunis, who is presi- dent of the Tunis Lumber Company, and was formerly a State Senator from his county.
Matt M. Tunis obtained an educational training at Geogretown College and in the University of Virginia, where be pursued the study of law, and was graduated in 1895. He was admitted to the bar of Virginia in July, 1895, and immediately thereafter located at Norfolk. He devoted himself entirely to his profession, and very shortly had a large client- . age, which has steadily increased. In 1899 he formed a partnership with Richard B. Taylor, under the firm name of Tunis & Taylor, and they have comfortable and commodious offices in the Taylor Building. He has a large gen- eral practice and is secretary, treasurer and attorney for the South Norfolk Company, a concern organized for the improvement of a large tract of land in Berkley, and which, in the course of time, will become one of Nor-
folk's greatest projects. He is also attorney for the Tunis Lumber Company, and vice- president of the Virginia Sawmill Company, of which he was one of the organizers.
Mr. Tunis has recently moved to Norfolk County. He is entinisiastic in his support of the straightout Democratic party and one of its leaders.
He is a gentleman of fine physique, fond of athletic sports, and is a member of the New Boat Club. He possesses many pleasing traits ! of character, and numbers his friends by his ac- quaintances.
JEORGE LEMUEL NEVILLE, au ex- tensive lumber and hardware dealer of Portsmouth, Norfolk County, Vir- ginia, was born in that city. January 8. 1836. He is a son of Willis and Margaret ( Hays) Neville. The Neville fam- ily originally came from England, and its de- scendants are now in possession of a coat of arms which dates back to 1066.
Willis Neville was born in Norfolk Coun- ty, December 28. 1812. and was a son of Willis. George L. Neville's mother. Margaret (Hays) Neville, was a daughter of Lemuel Hays, and a native of Norfolk County. She died in 1875, aged 71 years; Mr. Neville died in 1883. They reared five children, namely : William Allen, who is living in Portsmouth ; George Lemuel. the subject of this sketch ; Eliz- abeth Frances, the widow of Samuel S. Peed, who was engaged in the mercantile business in Norfolk for many years, and who died in 1895; Willis Henry, who died in Portsmouth, in 1883: and Robert Pullen. Willis Henry Neville's wife and family recently removed to Texas: he left four sons and one daughter, namely: George Wilder; Frank L .: Willis Cushing ; Edward L. : Ruth Lane ; and Wendell Cushing. George Wilder Neville is a member of the firm of Weld, Neville & Company, cot- ton dealers of Houston, Texas. They carry on an immense business, having branch offices
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HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
in New York. Liverpool and other large cities. Frank L. and Willis Cushing Neville are also engaged in the cotton business. Wendell Cushing Neville is a captain in the marine service. He had the honor to be one of the first to land in Cuba. and was also a member of the first party to enter Pekin, China. He is now in the Philippines, serving as governor of Isabela Island. Robert Pulien Neville, brother of our subject. is a warrant officer in the United States Navy, and is a resident of Portsmouth.
George Lemuel Neville, the subject of this sketch, attended the common schools of Ports- mouth. At the age of 15 years he left school to begin work as a clerk in the wholesale gro- cery store of Keeling & Pratt. He remained with that firm for some time. and next went into the lumber business as clerk for George W. Peete. Later he worked for R. J. Neely until the outbreak of the Confederate War. He ran the blockade to Richmond, where he en- tered the Confederate Army, and served as bookkeeper in the treasury department. Being a fine bookkeeper and splendid accountant, he was kept there, mainly performing that line of duties until the evacuation of Richmond. He returned home to be married, but was ob- liged to leave his young wife and return to Richmond, as that city was threatened. He saw active service for a while, and worked in the trenches, where his hand was blistered. He applied for a furlough, which was not granted at once, although it was approved later, and then he returned to his home in Portsmouth.
In Portsmouth Mr. Neville engaged in the lumber business, and later on also took up the hardware business with James M. Butt, the firm being Butt & Neville. It was established in 1877. and continued until the death of Mr. Butt. Mr. Neville then conducted the business alone for some time. and four years ago Will- iam L. Grubb was admitted as a partner. They do a large business annually, and are well known in Norfolk County. Mr. Neville is a fine business man, and has met with much suc- cess in his career.
He was married to Sarah Ellen Newman, December 28, 1864. She was born in Isle of Wight County, and is a daughter of John and Sarah ( Norsworthy) Newman, who were both natives of that county. Mr. Neville and his wife reared seven children, namely: Nellie Newman : Sallie Newman : Rosa Newman, de- ceased; Georgia Lee, who married Walter H. Dey. of Norfolk: Mary Marvin, deceased : George L., Jr., who is at home; and Joseph Hugh, who is teaching school at Capron. Southhampton County, Virginia.
Mr. Neville was elected sergeant of the city of Portsmouth soon after the close of the war, and remained in that capacity until displaced during the reconstruction period. Fraternally, he is a member of the I. O. O. F .. having joined that organization over 40 years ago. He is also a member of the Royal Arcanum. He is a member of the board of trustees and treas- urer of the Portsmouth Orphan Asylum: a member of the board of directors of the Mer- chants' & Farmers' Bank, and also of the Bank of Portsmouth. He is a director in the Bay- Shore Terminal Company, which has its main office in Norfolk: and is vice-president and a member of the board of directors of the Con- solidated Turnpike Company.
Religiously, Mr. Neville is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, of Ports- mouth. No public enterprise is complete with- i out his assistance, which he has always given most cheerfully. He is one of the most enter- prising and progressive citizens of Portsmouth, and is held in high esteem by all who know him por come in contact with him ..
T. EASTWOOD, one of the ris- ing young attorneys of Ports- mouth, Norfolk County. Virginia. is a native of that city, and a son of M. D. Eastwood. M. D. East- wood has been a resident of Portsmouth for the past 45 years, and is one of that city's prom- inent and influential citizens.
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837-838
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GEORGE H. H. WOODHOUSE.
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AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.
W. T. Eastwood received his primary ed- ucation in the schools of Portsmouth, and later took an academic course of two years at Will- iam and Mary College. In 1900 he entered the University of Virginia and pursued a course of law in that institution, where he graduated in June, 1901, He at once began the general practice of his profession in Ports- mouth, opening an office in the Commercial Building. He has won recognition in legal cir- cles as a lawyer of much natural ability. He possesses a sound judgment, and is conscien- tious and thorough in all his undertakings. He has a large practice, which is steadily increas- ing, and to which he gives his entire attention.
Mr. Eastwood was one of the original com- mittee. composed of three members, to draw up the charter for the organization of the Portsmouth Business Men's Association. He resides with his parents at No. 308 North street. The family are members of the Prot- estant Episcopal Church.
EORGE H. H. WOODHOUSE, who has rendered valuable service to the city of Norfolk as clerk of the City Market. is a veteran of the Conied- erate War. He was born near Nim- mo's Church, in Princess Anne County. Vir- ginia. July 3. 1840, and comes of an early and honored family of that county. He is a son of John Franklin Woodhouse, and grandson of Josiah Woodhouse, both of whom were born in Princess Anne County. Both followed agricultural pursuits.
. John Franklin Woodhouse married Nancy May, and both died when the subject of this sketch was young. the father, at the age of 56 years, and the mother at the age of 48 years. They were the parents of nine children. as fol- lows: Josiah : Ann Eliza : John Thomas : Will- iam : Elizabeth : Solomon : Henrietta ; a daugh- ter who died in infancy : and George H. H.
George H. H. Woodhouse, being left an
orphan in childhood, had to do the best lie could to earn a living. He attended school when the opportunity was presented, and in the meantime engaged in farming. He mar- ried Maria J. Harrison, & daughter of George W. Harrison. and thegun.on proved a happy, one. Hand in hand they fought adversity, working and saving, and when their circum- stances became better Mr. Woodhouse had the misfortune to lose his beloved wife in her 21st year. They had one son. Arnold James, who died at the age of 30 years. When the Con- federate War broke out, Mr. Woodhouse was . one of the first to enlist, to fight for the cause of the South. He joined Company F. 6th Regiment. Virginia Infantry, known at the time as the Seaboard Rifles. He was a brave and gallant soldier, and always performed his full share of duty, and more. In the battle of Malvern Hill he was shot in the left arm, and it became necessary to amputate that member at the shoulder. As soon as he was able hereturned to his company to do what service he could and fought until Lee's surrender. After the war The returned to farming and raised a general line of produce. He purchased oyster beds and oyster boats, and engaged in shipping oysters and fish, in addition to supplying them for the home market. He carried on this business un- til 1898. when he practically retired and moved to Norfolk. although he still owns his farm and his oyster interests.
In July, 1900, the citizens of Norfolk chose Mr. Woodhouse as clerk of the City Market. to succeed Abe Moses. The Norfolk City Market was begun in the early days of the city and was located on Commercial Place for many years. In 1890 the present location was chosen, it being back-water ground of the Eliz- abeth River. It was filled in, piles were driven and a brick building was erected, which was opened for trade in October, 1893. The meat market consists of about 25 stalls, and there may be obtained the best of the home product and that of the great West. Fruit, vegeta- bles, game and fish stands, to the number of
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HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
60, are stocked with the best of the season's produce, and the market as a whole is unex- celled anywhere in the South. The old ordin- ance required that all markets should close at 12 o'clock noon, except Saturday, but Mr. Woodhouse was instrumental in the repeal of that ordinance, and they are now allowed to keep open all day. It is his duty to see that the market is kept clean and that the people are properly dealt with, and in this he has dis- charged his duty to the entire satisfaction of every one, being ably assisted in his work by Deputy Clerk J. Glover.
Mr. Woodhouse formed a second matri- monial alliance, wedding Georgianna B. Ewell, a daughter of Solomon Ewell. This union has resulted in no issue, but Mr. and Mrs. Woodhouse hare roared several children, giv- ing them the affection and advantages which they would confer upon children of their own. Mr. Woodhouse is a member of the Improved Order of Red Men; Pickett-Buchanan Camp, Confederate Veterans; the Elks; I. O. O. F .; K. of P .; and the Eagles. A portrait of Mr. Woodhouse is shown on a preceding page.
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A LEXANDER B. BUTT. a prominent business man of Portsmouth, Nor- folk County. Virginia, is cashier of the People's Bank of Portsmouth. It is one of the leading banks of the community, and was organized in 1893, with John H. Hume as president, and Mr. Butt as cashier. Upon the death of Mr. Hame. Frank- lin D. Gill, the present incumbent, was elected president. Its directory consists of many prominent business men, whose names are a warrant of the bank's stability. They are James F. Crocker, Charles R. Nash, C. T. Phil- lips, C. L. Culpepper. M. D. Eastwood, John T. King. Cornelius Thomas, Charles A. Mc- Lean and Franklin D. Gill. They have a paid- up capital stock of $50.000, and do a general banking and deposit business. They first
started out, west of their present location, on High street, but at that time bought the pres- ent building at the corner of High and Craw- ford streets, and later remodeled the build- ing. It is a substantial three-story structure. constructed of brick and stone, `the first floor being devoted to banking purposes and espe- cially to facilitate that work, and the upper floors being given up to office use.
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