USA > Virginia > City of Norfolk > City of Norfolk > History of Norfolk County, Virginia and representative citizens, V.2 > Part 32
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Mr. Johnson came to Norfolk, Virginia. in 1859 and served in Company H. 6th Regi- ment. Virginia Infantry, Malione's Brigadc. He served as a private, until discharged be- cause of disability. He re-enlisted and was detailed for service at Richmond as a sergeant. He was captured outside the city, returned to Norfolk at the close of the war and then set- tled in Portsmouth in the same year, 1865. He entered the employ of the firm of Scott & Flemming, and in 1866 began the undertaking
business for himself. He first located on High street. and later moved to County street. He was located at No. 6oS Green street for four Years. He erected a fine building of two stor- ies. 46 by 26 feet, in dimensions, and also another block containing several stores and offices. He also erected a large and fine resi- dence, thus owning the entire block. Start- ing with comparatively nothing in a financial way he achieved a grand success. He always · evinced a deep interest in the welfare of Ports- mouth. He dealt almost exclusively with the merchants of the city, and was identified with many improvements in Portsmouth. In 1887 Mr. Johnson completed a course in prepara- tion for liis profession, in the Clarke School of Embalming at Cincinnati, Ohio, and in the United States College of Embalming. in 1892. He served three terms as president of the State Board of Embalmers. having main- tained that official position since the organiza- tion of the body, 12 years ago.
Mr. Johnson was first united in marriage with Mary E. Thompson, a daughter of Rob- ert A. J. Thompson, and a native of Ports- mouth. Her father was an early resident of the city and was well-known in the navy, where he had charge of the blacksmithing department. He served as city councilman several years, and died about 1884. Two children blessed this union, namely: Maywood Lee, who died in 1878. at the age of eight years ; and William Mosbey, who was born in 1867. and died at the age of 20 monthis. The latter was named after the father of the subject of this sketch. After the death of Mrs. Johnson, Mr. Johnson formed a second union, wedding his sister-in- law, Annie R. Thompson.
Mr. Johnson had a very fine business, the establishment being exceedingly well managed. The building was especially adapted to this line of business. His office was in the front. and immediately back of the office was a room in which a complete line of samples was carried, the stock being kept up stairs. He maintained la private morgue, and had stables in connec-
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tion with his business. He carried a line of hardware supplies, and had his own engrav- ing machine. He had ambulances for the ben- efit of his patrons, and funeral cars which are among the best in the State. For two years lie was presiding officer of the Undertakers' Asso- ciation of Virginia. Fraternally hegras a Ma- son and attained the rank of Knight Templar. He was also a member of the I. O. R. M. and B. P. O. E. Religiously he was a member of the Baptist Church, and his widow is a mem- ber of the Presbyterian Church. A portrait of Mr. Johnson is shown on a preceding page.
AUL B. LUKE, who has filled the po- sition of conductor on the Norfolk & Southern Railroad for many years. has given eminent satisfaction by his good service, and is esteemed and re- spected by the citizens of Berkley. Virginia. He is a native of Elizabeth City. North Caro- lina, where his birth occurred May 1, 1874, and is a son of Col. G. G. and Mary ( Wright) Luke, the former a native of Portsmouth. Vir- ginia, and the latter of North Carolina. Hc is a grandson of John Luke, a great-grandson of Paul Dale Luke, and a great-great-grandson of Isaac Luke.
Jr., and Elizabeth. The eldest of these. Paul Dale Luke. had two sons, Paul, for whom the subject hereof is named, and John, the grand- father of our subject.
Col. G. G. Luke was a man of affairs in his day. and was well known throughout North Carolina, Virginia and Maryland. During his early years he chose law for his profession, and was engaged in diligent study when the Confederate War broke out, but he left all to enlist in the army. He was taken prisoner at one time and then exchanged, but was after- ward captured again, and stayed in prison for several months. At the close of the conflict he finished his law course, and commenced practicing at Camden Court House, North Car- olina, following up the Circuit Courts. with headquarters at that place until 1888, He also practiced at Elizabeth City, North Carolina. For four years, during President Cleveland's administration, he served as petition clerk in the House of Representatives, and afterward removed to Berkley. Virginia, on account of impaired health. He died at the age of 61 years. but his widow still survives, and is an honored resident of Berkley. Mr. Luke and his wife were active members of the Episcopal Church, and the Colonel was always active in politics. also. Colonel and Mrs. Luke had a family of six boys and four girls, six of whom are still living.
Isaac Luke was a prominent citizen of Portsmouth, his residence being located on Paul B. Luke received his early mental training at Elizabeth City. after which he en- tered railway service as a brakeman on the Norfolk & Southern Railroad. He filled that position for six months, when he was pro- moted to the position of assistant yard master in Berkley. In this he served one year and i was then further advanced to be a conductor, in 1893, which position he still holds. He has always been considered fortimate in regard to accidents, and is well known as accommodat- ing and pleasant. Court street. He had the honor of entertain- ; ing Rev. Robert Williams, the first Methodist Episcopal preacher who ever preached in Nor- folk or Portsmouth. The eminent divine came to this vicinity on board a schooner, and preached his first sermon from the Court House steps. 'Later, successive sermons were deliv- ered from the steps of Isaac Luke's residence. Interest in these meetings grew, and finally a church organization was formed. This oc- curred during the year 1784, and on October 3Ist of the same year Isaac Luke died in bis May 8, 1901, Mr. Luke was united in marriage with Lillian Estelle Horney, a na- 54th year. He left three sons and one daugh- ter, namely: Paul Dale, William B., Isaac, , tive of Maryland, and a daughter of Charles
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Horney. Her mother is deccased, and her father still resides in Maryland. She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. South, but Mr. Luke worships with the Epis- copal Church.
Mr. Luke is assistant chief conductor of R. E. Lee Division. No. 205, of the Order of Railway Conductors, at Portsmouth, Virginia, and was sent to the convention at St. Paul. Minnesota, as a delegate in May, 1901. He is also a member of the K. of P., having passed through all the chairs. He has ever been faith- ful to the best interests of his employers, who place a high value on his services.
HOMAS B. GRIFFIN. a truck fariner of Norfolk County, whose portrait ac- companies this sketch. is well-known throughout his section of the county, and is highly respected by all who know him. He is a son of Jolin Griffin, and was born July 8. 1867, near West Norfolk. Virginia. Mr. Griffin's father also occupies a place of much prominence among agricultur- ists, and owns several farms, which he keeps in the highest state of cultivation.
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The subject of this sketch spent the most of his early years in attending school at Churchland, thus securing what cducation he could, and has been engaged in truck farming ever since. He now owns 150 acres adjoining his father's farms on the Western Branch of the Elizabeth River, and there he and his fam- ily enjoy a happy home.
In 1890 Mr. Griffin was united in marriage with Rachel Williams, a daughter of J. M. Williams. She was born in Petersburg. Vir- ginia, in 1871. Six children resulted from this union. as follows: Mortimer W .: John N .; Sadie : Thomas Ben : John T. ; and Charles C., who is deceased. The family are faithful at- tendants of the Baptist Church.
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Politically Thomas B. Griffin is an earnest Democrat and believes the principles of that
party will best advance the interests of the country. He has always been one of Norfolk County's most progressive citizens, and every enterprise which promises the promotion of business and the development of the material interests of the community, has found in him a willing advocate.
1 JOHN W. BETTS, superintendent of the Seaboard Wharf Warehouse Com- pany, and also agent for the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Company, with offices at the warehouse on Ist street, at the head of Wythe, in Portsmouth, Norfolk County. Virginia. was born in Granville Coun- ty, North Carolina. He is a son of Calvin Betts, who was clerk of the Superior Court of that county, and also judge of probate.
At the age of 22 years John W. Betts, whose name opens these lines, was elected reg- ister of deeds of Granville County. North Caro- lina. He served in that capacity for five years. He was then appointed to the position of dep- uty collector of internal revenue for the Fourth District of North Carolina, being located at Raleigh, Oxford and Durham. After 12 years spent in that office he became bookkeeper for J. W. Blackwell. and remained in that gentle- man's employ for two years. The following 10 years he held a position with the Tunis Lumber Company, giving it up to accept his present one. His position as superintendent of the Seaboard Wharf & Warehouse Company is a very responsible one, and Mr. Betts tills it with credit to himself and the company. He is also serving as agent for the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad Company. Possessed of more than ordinary business ability, with firm de- termination, and much energy, he has won suc- cess in his business, and is one of the influential men of the community.
Mr. Betts was married in Norfolk, in 1877. to Nannie W. Reynolds, who was born in Isle of Wight County, Virginia. They have had
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"the following children : Lillie S .. who teaches school; Mrs. W. G. Dolby: Mrs. Ernest Le- Compt : John W., Jr., deceased : and Lola W., who died in 1901, aged 20 years.
Mr. Betts is a member of the Woodmen of the World and the Masonic order. The fam- ily attend the Protestant Episcopal Church.
D. FREITAS, well known at Nor- folk and in the surrounding country as an extensive truck farmer, is es- teemed as a sober, chergetic citizen. who by his industry has accumulated a very comfortable competency.
Mr. Freitas was born in Portugal. in 1856, and remained there until he attained the age of 12 years, when he went to South America. and this country proved to be his home for the 12 years following. He has seen much of the world, for his age, and has visited many dif- ferent countries, learning more and more about their mode of life and their civilization. When still young he entered the United States Navy. and while aboard one of the gunboats visited the far-away country of Africa, and entered almost every scaport in the "Dark Continent." The vessel then received orders to sail for In- dia, and on its arrival there many an enjoy -. able day was spent in visiting the seaport towns of that country, in the interests of Uncle Sam. Japan was afterward visited. where the vessel remained for some time. Tartary was the next place of interest. but a very short time was spent there previous to returning to Japan, and later to China. the last-named coun- try claiming attention for quite a while. The orders were finally given to sail for the West Indies again, and from there to New York. His time of enlistment had expired. and he left the good ship "Worcester." where he had seen such good service, and settled down to life in America. During his voyage around the world he had learned a number of languages, and
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during his first year in this country was em- ployed as an interpreter to a great extent.
In 1874 Mr. Freitas was united in marriage with Mary Jane Lagamacino, a native of Genoa. Itally, who at the age of seven years was brought to this country, her home at first be- ing in Louisville, Kentucky. She afterward removed to Cincinnati, Ohio, where she re- mained for the following three years, previous to making her home at Pittsburg. Pennsyl- vania. After spending two years in that lo- cality she decided to settle permanently at Nor- folk. Virginia, and there remained until her marriage with Mr. Freitas.
After his marriage Mr. Freitas and his good wife settled on the land owned by Mrs. Freitas. This land consisted of about 73 acres of fine ground. situated on the shell road run- ning from Norfolk to Ocean View, about four miles from the former and two miles from the latter. Fifty acres of this land have been made into a garden. where all kinds of the best farm products are raised. Besides the out- houses necessary for truck farming on a large scale, they have built a storeroom and stocked it with groceries, and for the past several years have ministered to the wants of their neighbors and friends to great advantage. They carry on a flourishing and profitable trade, and enjoy the respect and good wishes of all.
Mr. Freitas and his excellent wife have had seven children, as follows: Emily Elizabeth, the eldest child, who is now the wife of J. Mary of Norfolk: John Michael, who departed this life at the age of 20 years and seven months: Josie Frances; Mary Cecilia and Louis, who are at home; Maggie Rosa, who died at the age of 11 months and two days; and Teriza Rosa. The family reside in their fine, Io-roomi house on the farm, and are justly proud of their beautiful home. They are reg- ular attendants of the Roman Catholic Church, of which they are devout members.
During President Cleveland's administra- tion Mr. Freitas was appointed postmaster, j and held that position during that administra-
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tion and for three years in Harrison's admin- istration, when he resigned. Mr. Freitas is a man on whom his fellow citizens can rely, and who therefore enjoys their confidence.
DEL C. WHITE, a well-known archi- tect and builder of Norfolk, Norfolk County, Virginia, whose portrait ac- companies this sketch. was born in Norfolk in 1831. and is a son of James G. White.
James G. White, who was a native of Mathews County. Virginia. early in life re- moved to Norfolk. In 1835 he began business in Norfolk as a contractor and builder, under the firm name of Cullis & White, and among that firm's earliest work was the Norfolk Acad- emy. After 1846 Mr. White conducted the business alone. Eight years later he took hisson. Joel C., into the firm. that partnership continu- ing for four years. after which he again as- sumed entire charge of the business. He erected the Second Presbyterian Church and many oth- er prominent buildings of Norfolk. He retired from active duties in 1880 and II years later died, at the age of 86 years. Mr. White mar- ried Priscilla Potts, a daughter of John and Sally Potts. His wife also died in her 86th year. James G. White was an active worker in the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, and was one of the trustees. He was an Odd Fel- low. Those of his children who survive are: Joel C .. the subject of this sketch : Sally : John J., of Norfolk; William O., of Williamsburg: and Charles E .. of Norfolk.
Joel C. White learned the contracting busi- ness with his father. spending four years in partnership with him. They erected the I. O. O. F. building, on Church street. which was · their first contract. With the exception of a · few years spent in partnership with his brother. Joel C. White has conducted the business alone .since 1858. He erected the Norfolk College of Young Ladies. Centenary Methodist Episco-
pal Church. South. Hospital St. Vincent de Paul, many prominent business blocks and nu- merous houses. Ile is considered one of the best contractors in Norfolk County, and has received much praise for his architectural de- signs. He has done much to assist in the de- velopment of Norfolk and is progressive and modern in his ideas.
Mr. White was united in marriage with Elizabeth H. White. a daughter of James White, of Mathews County. Virginia. Of IO children born to this union, but three are living, namely: John H .: Mattie May, who married William Freeman: and Joel C., Jr., who is shipping clerk in Norfolk.
Mr. White still takes many contracts for buildings, but manages to find time in which to indulge in his favorite sports, hunting and fishing. He has been an active member of the I. O. O. F. lodge since he reached his major- ity, having served as past grand of his lodge, and is now past grand of the State. He is also a member of the K. of P. lodge. He has served in the City Council for many years, and was commissioned by Governor Walker as one of the councilmen, when the new charter was amended.
J. ARMISTEAD, a member of the firm of R. J. Armistead & Company, R dealers in harness and carriage fur- Dishings, comes of one of Norfolk's most prominent families, tracing its ancestry . in this country back to 1632. He was born at Portsmouth, and is a son of M. W. Armistead.
M. W. Armistead was born near Hampton in 18II, and came from Elizabeth City County to Portsmouth about 1840. He was engaged in the wholesale grocery business at Ports- month, and later at Norfolk from 1869 to 1878. his death occurring in the latter year. The mother of R. J. Armistead was also born near Hampton and lived until 1893. when she died at the age of 76 years. Their children were as
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follows: Lizzie .A. ( Benson), a widow re- siding at Portsmouth; M. W., a farmer of Nansemond County, who has six children; Samuel Wilson, a naval constructor, who was killed at the Mare Island Navy Yard, Cali- fornia, in January. 1895. leaving a widow (a daughter of A. H. Lindsay) and three chil- dren, who reside at Norfolk; and R. J., whose name heads these lines. | ty several years prior to the Confederate War. He served four years in General Mahone's Brigade. and then returned and was engaged in mercantile pursuits at Norfolk for several years. He then removed to Portsmouth, and was elected by a large majority to the office of cemetery keeper. He was a Democrat in politics. He served in the capacity above men- tioned until his death, July 7, 1900. He mar- R. J. Armistead first engaged in business as a clerk in the grocery store, and continued thus from 1880 until 1889, when the firm of R. J. Armistead & Company was established. He has always been the active manager of this concern, and from its inception until 1899 car- ried a line of vehicles in addition to the pres- ent stock. He made a success of it from the first and enjoys a large and well paying pat- ronage. He has other business interests, and Owns considerable property in the city. ried a Miss Daughtrey, a member of one of the carly families of Portsmouth. Her father was William Daughitrey, who was a conductor on the Seaboard Air Line Railway. and lost his life in an accident. Mrs. Dashiell was born in Portsmouth, and had three brothers, -- C. L .. P. H. and B. F. C. L. Daughtrey. who died in 1901, was a stone and marble-cutter and dealer, and conducted large marble works in Portsmouth, He was a prominent member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks. Mr. Armistead was united in marriage with a daughter of William H. H. Hodges, formerly cashier of the Bank of Portsmouth, her mother P. H. Daughtrey is a wholesale merchant of Cumberland. Maryland. B. F. Daughtrey is a hatter of Portsmouth. Mr. and Mrs. Dashiell being a Griswold. They are parents of five . reared io children, namely : O .. a plumber and children, namely: William H .: L. M., born , stove dealer of Portsmouth: W. H .. a retail
in 1887: Susie. born in 1892; Mary G., born in 1895 ; and Robert J., Jr. Fraternally, Mr. Armistead is a member of Ocean Council. Royal Arcanum. Religiously, the family are Episcopalians, although the subject of this sketch is a Baptist. A member of the Armi- stead family, it is said. gave the ground on which was built the oldest Episcopal church at Hampton. Virginia.
RNEST L. DASHIELL, a progressive real estate, insurance and rental agent, has been engaged in that line of business. in Portsmouth, for the past five years in a highly successful manner. He was born in that city and is a son of J. J. Dashiell.
J. J. Dashiell was born in Isle of Wight County, Virginia, but located in Norfolk Coun- ; estate.
grocer : J. C., who is proprietor of a café; E. W., who is in charge of the claim department of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad at Pinner's Point: A. L .. who is employed as a molder at the Navy Yard: L. L .; Ida M .: Hattie M .; Mrs. J. F. O'Connor : and Ernest L.
Ernest L. Dashiell left school at the age of 12 years, and engaged with the Western Union Telegraph Company as messenger, in which capacity he served for two years. He was then with Attorney W. G. Elliott until that gentleman became president of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad. and then was with Cap- tain C. G. Elliott, treasurer of the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad. for three years. He next held a clerical position with the New York, Philadelphia & Norfolk Railroad Company un- til 1896. when he entered upon business for himself. He was exclusively in the insurance business for three years, and then added real He has met with success and rep-
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resents the following companies : Aetna Insur- ance Company of New York; New York Un- derwriters Agency of New York; Seaboard Fire. Insurance Company, a home enterprise and the oldest company in Eastern Virginia ; New York Plate Glass Insurance Company;
Samuel L. Burroughs attended the com- Travelers Insurance Company of Hartford, mon schools until he was 16 years of age, and Connecticut; and the Orient Insurance Com- was then engaged in the book and stationery pany of Hartford, Connecticut. He also has |business at Norfolk until he was appointed large real estate interests, having one of the postmaster in 1898. He has the distinction of largest and most successful agencies in the : being the youngest man who ever served as city or county. His assistants are Mamie Baker, who is bookkeeper and has charge of the office. and D. F. Bourke, who has charge of collections.
Mr. Dashiell married Mabel L. Baker, and they have one child, Mabel L., who died at the age of two years. They have a comfort- able residence at No. 1007 Washington street. Fraternally, Mr. Dashiell is a member of the B. P. O. E., Royal Arcanum, Knights of Pythias, Woodinen of the World and National Union. In religious attachment he is a mem- ber of the Methodist Episcopal Church. South. He is an enthusiastic worker in. the Y. M. C. ! A., and has charge of the Boys' Brigade. He is also a member of the Business Men's As- sociation of Portsmouth.
AMUEL L. BURROUGHS, who has attained prominence as postmaster of Portsmouth. Norfolk County, Vir- ginia, was born in Portsmouth, Feb- ;
ruary 8, 1858. and is a son of John H. Burroughs.
John H. Burroughs was born in Mathews County. Virginia, and his wife came from the Eastern Shore of Virginia. His parents were from Stafford County, but at an early day removed to Mathews County, Virginia. John H. Burroughs was a Union man during the Intersectional War, and he and his sons be- came Republicans in politics. He and his wife became the parents of 12 children, of whom
two sons and one daughter are deceased. Of those living, all reside in Portsmouth except Alonzo C., a naval officer stationed at Mare Island, California; and Minnie C. (Hernan- dezs), who resides at Philadelphia.
postmaster of Portsmouth. He was, at the time of his appointment. chairman of the congres- sional committee, and vice-president of the Re- publican League Club. from Virginia. As postmaster he has given universal satisfaction, and has hearty indorsements for reappointment in 1902. The Post Office building is in an old State Bank building, on the corner of High and Court streets, and is rented by the govern- ment. During his administration the business of the office has increased over 80 per cent., and he has worked for and secured many valuable changes and additions in the service. The transactions of the money-order department have increased 100 per cent. in volume, the registry order department has increased to 1,000 pieces more than in any previous year, and the number of carriers has grown from six to Io. and of clerks from three to five. The grade of the chief clerk has been changed to that of assistant postinaster, the present incum- bent being W. E. Crismond. Four deliveries are daily made to an estimated number of from 25.000 to 28,000 people, extending a mile into the country. The salaries of all employees, in- cluding the subject of this sketch, have been 1 increased froni $300 to $500 each. There are increased facilities for rapid handling of mails, and it now has jo star-route offices. As an accommodation to business men, the money-or- der department is kept open from 7:30 A. M. to 7:00 P. M. There are received and dis- patched 144 mail bags daily. Mr. Burroughs is the first postmaster of Portsmouth to secure permission of the Department to close the of- :
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