USA > Virginia > City of Norfolk > City of Norfolk > History of Norfolk County, Virginia and representative citizens, V.2 > Part 38
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50
Mrs. Anderson is descended from one of North Carolina's oldest families .--- the Perry family,-who received Perquimans County as a grant from Sir Walter Raleigh, and came from England to this country in the seven- teenth century. In that county is a burial ground of about two acres, in which only the Perrys, or members of the Perry family. are buried. Mrs. Anderson is a daughter of John S. and Delphina Midyett, both of whom are de- ceased. The father followed agricultural pur- suits and was also a fisherman in North Caro- lina; he departed this life in September. 1887. at the age of 40 years. He and his wife had a number of children, two of whom still sur- vive, namely, Margaret L .. the wife of V. P. Jones of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Mrs. John A. Anderson, Jr., wife of the subject of this sketch.
Mr. Anderson has a fine tenor voice, and holds an important place among the singers at St. Paul's Protestant Episcopal Church; he also sings in the choir of the Central Methodist Episcopal Church, South, at Portsmouth, and participates in the services at the Synagogue. Mr. Anderson is a man of great industry, and is held in high esteem in the community, of which he is a prominent and worthy member.
918
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
D MR. J. G. RIDDICK, who is probably the oldest practicing physician of Norfolk, Virginia, and one of the best known in the community, was born in Sussex County, Virginia, June 10, 1861. His parents were Rev. James A. and Judith A. ( Gregory) Riddick.
Rev. Mr. Riddick was born in North Caro- lina, and for over 50 years was a minister of the Methodist Episcopal Conference of Vir- ginia. He filled many pulpits, and did much noble work during his lifetime. He reached the advanced age of 90 years, and departed this life in 1900, his death being deeply felt throughout the community in which he resided. His wife, a native of Virginia, and a sister of W. F. C. Gregory, of Petersburg, Virginia. was a devout member of the Methodist Epis- copal Church. South. and always assisted her husband in religious work. Of nine childreu born to them. six are now living.
. J. G. Riddick, the subject of this sketch, was educated at McCabe's school in Peters- burg, and graduated from the literature de- partment of Randolph-Macon College. Later he studied medicine at the College of Physi- cians and Surgeons in Baltimore, Maryland, from which institution he was graduated in 1883. He at once began the practice of his profession in Norfolk, and very soon worked up a practice which has always spoken well for his ability and knowledge of his profession. He has a large general practice, and belongs to many medical associations. Among them are the Norfolk Medical Society; American Med- ical Association: Virginia State Medical So- ciety ; and the Tidewater Medical Association. He was health officer of Norfolk for a number of years, and was a member of the Board of Health in that city. He is also on the physi- cian's staff at Hospital St. Vincent de Paul.
!!
Dr. Riddick was united in marriage with Sallie Yates Councill, a daughter of Rev. James G. Councill. Rev. Mr. Councill is a minister of the Baptist Church, and is now filling a pulpit near Alexandria, Virginia. Mrs.
Riddick is a graduate of the Hollins Institute of Virginia, and taught in private schools for some time. Dr. Riddick and his wife have two children, namely : Anna Ruth ; and Judith Gregory. Mrs. Riddick is a Baptist, while her husband is a member of the Epworth Methodist Episcopal Church, South. He is a member of the Masonic order; Knights of Pythias; Red Men; and is a director in the Traders & Truckers' Bank of Norfolk.
Dr. Diddick has always been influential in assisting all public enterprises which tend to- ward the advancement of Norfolk, and is well and favorably known throughout the county.
FITZWILLIAM B. WILDER, who is the proprietor of a job-printing estab- lishment in Portsmouth, Norfolk County, Virginia, was born in Elizabeth City, Pasquotank Coun- ty, North Carolina, March 27, 1853. His pa- rents were George M. and Martha S. Wilder.
George M. Wilder was a native of Ver- mont. He settled in the South in 1830, and taught in an academy for some time. He died in 1864, and his death was sincerely mourned by all who knew him. He and his wife were Methodists. Our subject is the oldest of four children born to this union. three of whom are living.
William B. Wilder received his mental training at Chapel Hill, North Carolina, under his father's tutorship. After completing the course at Chapel Hill, he became a page in the House of Representatives at Washington, and served in that capacity for five years. There were 23 pages in the House at that time. IIe learned the printer's business at Elizabeti City, North Carolina, after which he removed to Portsmouth, in 1876. He was employed on the Portsmouth Enterprise for some, and later on the Portsmouth Times. He became business manager of that paper and part own- er. Subsequently, he established a jeb-print-
919
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.
ing establishment, which he has conducted ever since. He sold his interest in the Portsmouth Times to J. H. Wilcox. Subsequently, he es- tablished the Portsmouth Star, together wtih P. C. Trugicn, to whom he sold his interest. Mr. Wilder then bought an interest in the Pilot, and became business manager of that paper. He remained in that position for one year, when he sold out his interest. Although he was actively engaged in these enterprises. he did not discontinue his job-printing work, but after relinquishing his interest in the Pilot, he devoted himself entirely to his present work. He does a large amount of job printing, re- ceiving orders from many of the near-by towns.
Mr. Wilder was married. in May, 1879, to Miss E. J. Richards, a daughter of Elisha and Phoebe D. Richards, and a native of New Jer- sey. They have one son .- Fred Maurice, who is a clothing salesman with John A. Morris. Mr. Wilder and his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, in which Mr. Wilder has been a steward for 20 years. He takes a deep interest in the Prohibition party. but votes the Democratic ticket when there is no Prohibition candidate. He is one of the most influential and progressive busi- ness men of Portsmouth, honest and upright in character, and honorcd and loved by all.
R EV. A. C. THOMSON is rector of Trinity Protestant Episcopal Church. Portsmouth, Norfolk County, Vir- ginia. He was born in Fredericks- Burg, Spottsylvania County, Virginia. April 16, 1871, and is a son of Elliott H. and Jeanette R. (Conover) Thomson.
Rev. Mr. Thomson's father is the archdea- con of the diocese of Shanghai, China, having, been in that country, with intervals in which he made trips to America. for 43 years. He was educated at the University of Virginia. and also attended a theological seminary at
Alexandria, Virginia, from which he was grad- uated in 1859. In the class was Bishop Phil- lips Brooks. He married Jeanette R. Conover, a daughter of William P. Conover, of Phila- delphia. The subject of this sketch was one of five children born of this union, of whom three were born in China. Mrs. A. P. Thorn- : ton is deceased, and Frank D. is general man- ager of the Lackawanna Iron & Steel Works, for the United States Steel Corporation.
Rev. A. C. Thomson went to Cheltenham Academy, near Philadelphia, and later attended the University of Pennsylvania, where he took the degree of A. B. He pursucd a theological course at the theological seminary at Alex- dria, Virginia, from which he graduated with the degree of B. D. He took up his life's work at Tappahannock. Virginia, where he re- mained for two years, and afterward accepted the rectorship of the Church of the Resurrec- ; tion, at Cincinnati, Ohio. While there he built
La rectory and for four years enjoyed a highly | successful pastorate. In December, 1899, he accepted the rectorship of Trinity Protestant Episcopal Church in Portsmouth, Norfolk County, and since then has filled that pulpit in a most acceptable manner, winning for himself much praise for his worthiness and ability. Rev. Mr. Thomson spent 13 years of his life in China, and speaks the Chinese language with fluency. He is a deep student and a man of scholarly attainments, speaking many lan- guages, and being conversant with all the im- : portant topics of the day. He has traveled widely, having crossed the Atlantic six times, made two trips around the world, and visited almost every country and clime.
In November, 1893. Rev. Mr. Thomson was married to Mary G. Fitzhugh, a daughter of Captain Fitzhugh, formerly of General Pickett's staff, and later judge of the Circuit Court in San Francisco. Captain Fitzhugh's wife was Ann Grayson of Loudoun County, Virginia. Rev. Mr. Thomson is a Mason, hav- ing taken the 32d degree in that order. He ! takes an interest in the welfare of those who re-
920
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
side in his community, and quickly lends his support to any worthy enterprise which tends to the advancement of the people of Norfolk County.
JOHN W. WOOD, who is street inspec- tor of Portsmouth, Norfolk County, Virginia, was born in that city, Feb- ruary 8, 1842. His parents were William D. and Sarah (Gaskins) Wood.
William D. Wood was born in 1794, and followed the trade of ship-carpenter all his life. He was a private in the War of 1812. His wife afterwards received a pension for his ser- vices in that war. He was one of the pioneer settlers of the county, and was well and favor- ably known. He was a member of the Ports- mouth Rifle Company, which was organized October 29, 1792.
John W. Wood, whose name opens thesc lines, attended the public schools of Ports- mouth, and learned the trade of a ship-car- penter, working in the Navy Yard. He was apprenticed to the United States government when the Confederate War opened. He en- listed June 13, 1861, in the Portsmouth Rifle Company, which became Company G. 9th Regiment, Virginia Infantry. Armistead's Brigade. Pickett's Division, and served exactly four years. He took part in all the engage- ments of the regiment until captured at Sailor's Creek, Virginia. April 6. 1865. He then went to Point Lookout prison. where he remained until June 13, 1865. After the close of the war he worked at his trade, that of a ship-car- penter. and July 1. 1875, was elected street in- spector. He has held that office for 27 years, a longer period than any man in the State has ever filled it. He employs his workmen with care and consideration for obtaining the best service for the mooney. He is a good manager. and has served in the office of inspector with much credit to himself and those who employ. him.
Mr. Wood was married November 20, 1879. to Rebecca J. Godfrey. a native of Ports- mouth, and a daughter of John and Rosanna Godfrey, both long since deceased. Mrs. Wood is a member of Monumental Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Mr. Wood is a ge- nial, courteous and hospitable man, of the true Virginia type. He is deeply interested in horti- culture, and takes much pride in his green- house and lawn. Mr. Wood is one of Ports- mouth's most esteemed citizens, and his friends are many.
EDWARD B. WILKINS. a well-known contractor and builder of Ports- mouth. Norfolk County. Virginia, was born in Pleasant Grove district. Norfolk County, February 25. 1856. His parents were Edward N. and Abigail A. (Murray) Wilkins. His grandfather, Col. John Wilkins, took part in the War of 1812. and liis great-grandfather served in the Revo- lutionary War.
Edward N. Wilkins was a farmer and merchant, and followed these occupations all his life. He died at the age of 66 years, and his wife died. in 1871. aged 49 years. Both were members of the Goodhope Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Their children were as follows: J. W .. who is engaged in the furniture business in Portsmouth; Edward B., the subject of this sketch'; Anna A., who lives in Portsmouth ; James, who died in 1871 : and W. W., who is engaged in the produce business in Portsmouth.
Edward B. Wilkins attended the country schools of Norfolk County, and at an early age began to learn the trade of a carpenter. In 1891, he started into business for himself. and since that time has secured many large con- tracts for the erection of public buildings and private homes. Most of his work is in Ports- mouth. He thoroughly understands his busi- ness, his work is first class in every respect, and
421-922
EDWARD OVERMAN.
-
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.
923
he is considered one of the best contractors in Norfolk County.
Mr. Wilkins was married, December 23. 1891, to Ida Blanche Tyree, a daughter of A. H. and Elizabeth Ann Tyree, and a native of Richmond, Virginia. Her parents were also natives of Virginia. Mr. and Mrs. Wilkins have one adopted chid, whose name is Ellis. Both are members of the Park View Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Mr. Wilkins being one of its trustees. He is a member of Sea- side Lodge, No. So, K. of P., of Portsmouth.
6 EORGE G. MARTIN. city attorney of Berkley, Norfolk County. Virginia. was born August 8. 1869, in Norfolk County, and is a son of Col. James Green Martin, who was one of the prominent lawyers of Norfolk for a number of years.
Colonel Martin was a native of Norfolk County. He studied law, and became one of the leading advocates in this section of Vir- ginia. He was a member of the Virginia Leg- islature before the breaking out of the Confed- crate War. He was opposed to secession and was elected from Norfolk County on that issue, but when Virginia seceded from the Union he gave his services to his State, enlisting in Cooper's Cavalry. His death occurred in 1880, at the age of 51 years. He married Mrs. Bettie Love Martin, nce Gresham, who was born in Norfolk County in 1837. She is now living in Berkley. To them were born six children, namely: Alvah H .. who is clerk of the Nor- folk County Court ; Maud, who married S. W. Lyons, and is living in Berkley, her husband being county treasurer : James T., William B. and Love, all three deceased ; and George G.
in Norfolk. He at once won recognition as a lawyer of splendid ability, and has always met with much success. In 1899 he removed to Berkley, where he opened an office. He is city attorney of Berkley, and is also attorney for the Merchants' & Planters' Bank, filling both positions in a most acceptable manner, and giving entire satisfaction to all.
On September 23, 1892, Mr. Martin mar- ried Lillian H. Wilson, who was born in 1872. a daughter of Rev. R. T. Wilson. They have two children,-Lillian E .. who was born in September, 1895; and Mary Maud, who was born in 1896. The subject of this sketch and his wife are members of the Methodist Epis- copal Church, South. Mr. Martin is a mem- ber of Berkley Lodge, A. F. & A. M., and of the B. P. O. E. lodge.
€ DWARD OVERMAN, one of Ports- mouth's most prominent contractors and builders, whose portrait accom- panies this sketch, was born at Ports- mouth, Virginia, in 1859, and is a son of Joseph C. Overman.
Joseph C. Overman was born in North Carolina, and with his brother, Quinton D., came to Portsmouth when quite young. Then, as young men, they returned to North Caro- lina, and married sisters, Elizabeth and Mary : Griffin. They afterward resided in Ports- mouth until the outbreak of the Confederate War, when Joseph C. Overman went to work in the Navy Yard. The brother enlisted in Grimes' Battery. Artillery, and was killed in the battle of Sharpsburg. During the latter years of his life, Joseph C. Overman was en- gaged as a ship-carpenter, and at one time was connected with the Seaboard Air Line Rail- way. His first union, with Elizabeth Griffin. resulted in the birth of two sons, Edward, and Quinton Da who resides in Park View, and is "foreman of the blacksmithing and engineer-
George G: Martin, whose name heads this sketch, attended; Randolph-Macon College. : He took a course of lawsat the !University of Vir- ginia, and was wimitted to the bar in 1892." He commenced practice' nationce, opening an office , ing in the Navy Yard, a position he has held
46
924
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
for about 10 years. Mr. Overman formed a second union, wedding the widow of Caleb Spann, and they reared three children, as fol- lows: Jesse, a carpenter. living in Cottage Place; Austin, a draughtsman for Naffy & Levy of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; and Jo- seph, who resides in Prentis Place, Ports- mouth, and is a coppersmith in the Navy Yard.
After the death of Quinton D. Overman, his widow and three children. Joseph, William H. and Rena removed to North Carolina. Jo- seph was married and died in Elizabeth City, North Carolina. In 1882 William H., with his mother and sister, moved to Knoxville, where after some years the two last named died. William now resides in Memphis, Ten- nessee.
Edward Overman was reared in Norfolk County and attended the public schools. He served an apprenticeship as carpenter under Milton Harding, who was an architect, and. while thus serving, pursued the study of arch- itecture. He entered business for himself in 1884, doing only house contracting at first, but has later included bridge building and gen- eral contracting in his business. He also does considerable architectural work, having de- signed and built the Pythian Castle, at the cor- ner of Court and County streets, the business block of Joseph A. Parker, a large building for the Knights of Pythias at Hampton. Vir- ginia, the Merchants' & Farmers' Bank Build- ing, the Judge L. R. Watts and the Bennett business blocks, and also many residences of the city, including those of Mr. Neely and Cap- tain Phillips. In 1888 he erceted for himself the second house built in Cottage Place, and also has other real estate holdings in the city. He has a lot in Park View. and others along Virginia avenue from County street to Colum- bia street. He has a large number of men in his employ, varying from 20 to 30, and docs contract work throughout the county. He has charge of the repair work on the Western Branch Bridge, and is now erecting a fine house in Churchland.
Mr. Overman was joined in marriage with Cora Spann. a daughter of Caleb Spann, and a native of Portsmouth. They have six chil- dren, namely: Edward; Bertha; William; Mary ; Lee ; and Quinton. In politics Mr. Or- erman is a Democrat. He is a member of the Heptasophs and Royal Arcanum, and form- erly belonged to the Odd Fellows and Im- proved -Order of Red Men. He has been a member of the Court Street Baptist Church for the past 20 years, and his family are all mem- bers of the same church.
O SCAR FRANKLIN BYRD, D. D. S .. whose office is located at No. 206 High street, Portsmouth, Norfolk County, Virginia, is one of the prom- inent dentists of the county. He was born in Accomac County, Virginia, March 3. 1870, and is a son of Frank and Charlotte E. ( Matthews ) Byrd, both natives of Virginia.
. Frank Byrd was a farmer by occupation. and later in life followed the insurance busi- ness. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South, of which he was one of the officials for many years. He died Oc- tober 28. 1901. aged 66 years. His wife, who was also a Methodist, and a most devout woman, died in May. 1900. The subject of this sketch was one of four children, namely : Lynn C., who died in July, 1901, and who was a member of the wholesale firm of James Bailey & Son of Baltimore, Maryland; Clyde P., a broker in Baltimore, Maryland: Colmore E .. a traveling salesman: and Oscar Franklin. whose name opens these lines.
Dr. Byrd was educated in an academy of his native county, and afterward attended the University of Maryland. where he took a scien- tific course. He graduated from the dental de- partment, with the class of 1890. For three years he practiced in his native county, when he removed to Portsmouth, and in February. 1894. opened an office in that city. He has met
925
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.
with much success, and worked up a large and lucrative practice. Dr. Byrd keeps abreast with all the new and scientific improvements which facilitate work in his profession, and he is con- sidered one of the best dentists in the county.
The Doctor was married. November 20. 1901. to Annie Blanche Richards, a native of Pocomoke City, Maryland. Dr. Byrd is a member of Seaboard Lodge. No. 56. A. F. & A. M. : and Mt. Horeb Chapter, No. II. R. A. M. He belongs to the Royal Arcanum and is . district deputy grand master for District No. 34.
HARLES W. PARKS, an electrician in the Norfolk Navy Yard, is a resi- dent of Berkley, Norfolk County, Virginia, and was born in Salisbury, Maryland, in 1859. He is a son of J. T. and Virginia ( Dishroon) Parks.
J. T. Parks, the father of Charles W., was born in Maryland. He is foreman of the , Greenleaf-Johnson Lumber Company of Berk- ley, having held that position for a number of years. His wife died in 1887. They had six children, as follows: Charles W .; Lillie, who lives in Berkley : John H., who is a clerk in Norfolk; Mammie, who lives in Berkley ; Cassie, who married I. T. Bell. a clerk in Nor- folk: and Joseph F .. an electrician and ma- chinist at the Navy Yard.
Charles W. Parks attended the schools of Salisbury, Maryland, and in 1878 removed to Berkley, and became an employee at the Nor- folk Navy Yard. as an electrician. He has worked in that capacity ever since, and is highly esteemed by his employers and fellow workmen. Mr. Parks is a member of the Town Council, having been elected from the Third Ward. He was elected by the Council as chief of the Berkley Fire Department in July. 1900, and fills this position in a most creditalle man- ner.
In 1886 Mr. Parks married Alberta Ed- wards, a daughter of John and Martha .Ed-
wards. She was born in Northampton Coun- ty, Virginia, in 1859. They have one child, ---- Charles W., who was born in September, 1888. Mr. Parks is a member of Berkley Lodge, No. 176, A. F. & A. M .: Berkley Lodge, No. 278. B. P. O. E: the Royal Arcanum: and Ports- mouth Lodge, No. 16, K. of P. Mr. Parks is an Episcopalian in his religious views. His wife is a Baptist.
I. THOMPSON, jeweler and opti- 6 cian, at No. 88 Chestnut street. Berk- ley, Norfolk County. Virginia, was born in Waupaca County. Wisconsin, May 12, 1867. He is a son of E. B. and Clara Thompson, the former a native of New York, and the latter a native of Illinois.
E. B. Thompson held the position of post- master of Waupaca, and later accepted a po- sition in the War and Navy Department. He removed to Virginia in October. 1885. on ac- count of his health, and located in Nottoway County. When the war broke out he enlisted in the 21st Regular Wisconsin Volunteer In- fantry, and served throughout the war. His right arm was badly shattered at the battle of Perryville, and he was sent to the hospital. He refused to allow the member to be ampu- tated. and because of this decision he was ob- liged to care for the wound, himself, while in the hospital. The arn did not heal entirely for 20 years, nor was the bullet which had lodged in it found until 20 years after the wound was received. Mr. Thompson is now living in Washington. D. C., where he holds a govern- ment position. He is now 64 years old. He is a member of the Metropolitan Methodist Episcopal Church of Washington, D. C. Flis wife died in 1891. aged 52 years. Of five chil- dren born to this unien, but three are non liv- ing. namely : Laura A .. a kindergarten teacher in Washington, D. C. : G. L., the subject of this sketch ; and Evan B., who was employed by the Berkley Power-House Company for several
926
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
years, -- he enlisted in the army during the ; as follows: Richard B. ; Lillie, wife of W. H. Spanish-American War, and served as second- class machinist in the torpedo-boat service, was promoted to the position of first-class machinist and is now warrant-machinist.
.G. L. Thompson, whose name heads these lines, attended the common schools of Wau- paca County, Wisconsin. After leaving school he learned the jewelry business, and in 1887 moved to Virginia, and located in Berkley, where he engaged in the jewelry business, hat- ing an optical department in connection with · his stock of jewelry. His store is well pat- ronized. and his customers receive prompt and careful attention.
Mr. Thompson was married, in August, 1896. to Laura J. Perry, a native of North Carolina, who was reared in Portsmouth. Vir- ginia. She has lived in Berkley for the past 18 years, and her parents are James H. and Mary Perry. Two children have been born to . Mr. and Mrs. Thompson,-Clara M .; and an infant. The subject of this sketch is a member of the Baptist Church. He belongs to the K. of P .; Jr. O. U. A. M., and W. O. W.
R EV. RICHARD B. GARRETT, D. D., a gentleman who has been prominent- ly engaged in ministerial work in various parts of the United States. is pastor of the Court Street Baptist Church of Portsmouth, Virginia. He was born in Caroline County, Virginia, November . 22, 1854, and is a son of Richard H. and Fanny B. ( Holloway) Garrett, both natives of Virginia.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.