USA > Virginia > City of Norfolk > City of Norfolk > History of Norfolk County, Virginia and representative citizens, V.2 > Part 45
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ION. WILLIAM H. BURROUGHS. who has been prominent on the bench and at the bar of Norfolk County. Virginia. since 1854, was born at Princess Anne .Court House, Virginia, February 20, 1832. He at- tended school there, and was graduated from the William and Mary Military College, at Williamsburg, in 1851. He then taught school in that academy until 1853, when he took up the study of law, and was graduated and ad- mitted to the bar, in 1854.
. Mr. Burroughs opened practice at Prin- cess Anne Court House, where he remained until 1859, when he went to Jacksboro. Ten- nessee. He practiced law there until the war- broke out, when he enlisted in Churchwell's regiment, known as the ist Tennessee Regi- ment. He was soon promoted to the position of captain of the 3rd Regiment. Tennessee Ar- tillery, and served in that capacity until the close of the war, in Eastern Tennessee, Ken- tucky and Southwestern Virginia.
In 1866 Mr. Burroughs returned to Prin- cess Anne Court House, Virginia, where he resumed his practice. He removed to Nor- folk in 1869, and entered into partnership with his brother. J. J. Burroughs. In isto he was elected judge of the Corporation Court, and
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served in that capacity until January, 1877. when he resumed his general practice, in which he has been so successful. In 1877 he wrote and published a book on "Taxation, Federal and State." and in 1881 he published a book on "Public Securities, including Municipal Bonds." These works have been highly com- mended.
Mr. Burroughs is a member of the Masonic and several other orders. He is well known in legal circles in Norfolk County, and this sec- tion of Virginia, and is a lawyer of much talent. He has a large general practice. having mct with more than ordinary success in his profession.
ALDWELL HARDY has been identi- fied with the banking interests of Norfolk, Virginia, for more than 25 years, and his great executive ability has gained recognition far beyond the confines of his own State. He is president of the Norfolk National Bank and the Norfolk Bank for Savings & Trusts, and vice-president of the American Bankers' Association. made up of bankers of the United States. He is one of the city's most highly esteemed and honored capitalists, and has been identified with many commercial enterprises and the general develop- ment of Norfolk.
The Norfolk National Bank is one of the most stable financial institutions of the South. The prestige it enjoys is amply illustrated by the following clipping from "The Banker. Mer- chan: and Manufacturer" of Chicago and New York: "Of the several Southern cities visited by your correspondent during the past few months, there is certainly none whose peo- ple have more reason to take pride in their banking institutions than those of Norfolk, Virginia. The banks of this city are not only provided with thoroughly adequate capital, but are also judiciously managed en a broad and at the same time conservative basis. They pro- vide, too, for the merchants and business men
generally, the most ample banking facilities and accommodations. The finances of the banks of Norfolk are managed with circum- spection, economy and ability, and in this re- spect the city has an enviable reputation. One of them whose resources, amount of business and gratifying condition entitles it to consid- eration as one of the strongest and most ably managed institutions of the South is the Nor- folk National Bank, which from the date of its organization has enjoyed a career of unin- terrupted progress and prosperity which well attests the foresight, conservatism and ability which have characterized the guidance of its affairs. The men who have been identified with the management of this bank have always been representative of Norfolk's largest and most important interests, as business men, capitalists and financiers. The Norfolk National Bank has passed through every season of financial stringency which has afflicted the country at large, from the date of its establishment, with stability unshaken and credit unimpaired, and retaining the implicit confidence of all whose names have been inscribed upon its books. It is a well recognized rule among financiers that the volume of deposits in a given bank constitute trustworthy criterion of the confidence reposed by the community in the management of such bank. How high. then, must be the confidence reposed in the management of the Norfolk National, continued under the same guidance for many years, when they are able to report such a line of deposits as $2.750,000. It seems almost needless to say that in respect to the conservatism of its management this bank is not excelled by any contemporary institution of the country: but it may be added that its conservatism has always been tempered by a judicious liberality. Giving no encouragement to ventures of a speculative character, this bank has ever been prompt to support enterprises di rected along the paths of industrial develop- ment and legitimate commerce. The Norfolk National is a designated United States deposi- tary, carries the accounts of many of the lead-
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ing merchants and manufacturers of Norfolk. and enjoys every facility for transacting all business entrusted to its care, with promptness and at minimum expense. In conclusion we need only say that in inviting correspondence this bank offers inducements to those to whom banking facilities of a superior order are essen- tial, which can not fail to compel favorable consideration.'
The building now occupied by the Norfolk National Bank was built in 1850, and for many years was occupied by the Exchange Bank of Virginia, which went into liquidation as the result of the Confederate War. The Norfolk National Bank was organized August 1, 1885. In 1893 they built on to the rear ot the building and made many desirable improve- latter day banking has been added and its quar. ters are elaborately furnished. The first floor is entirely given up to the carrying on of the banking business. On the second Boor are the directors' room, the clerks' closets and toilet rooms, and also a storage room. A unique and pleasing feature of this institution is to be found on the third floor, consisting of a din- ing room and kitchen, maintained for the ben- efit of employees. An excellent cuisine is pro- vided and a fine dinner is furnished every after- noon at three o'clock. The original officers of this bank were C. G. Ramsay, president: C. W. Grandy, vice-president: and Caldwell Hardy, cashier. Upon the death of Mr. Ran- say, February 11, 1894, Mr. Grandy became president and Colonel George Tait, vice-pres- ident. On April 1, 1895, Mr. Grandy having declined re-election as president, J. G. Womble was elected to that position and Mr. Grandy was re-elected vice-president. Mr. Womble retired from the presidency in 1899. and Cald- well Hardy succeeded to the presidency. A. B. Schwarzkopf, formerly assistant cashier. being made cashier. The directors of the bank are: C. W. Grandy; M. L. T. Davis, of M. L. T. Davis & Company: W. D. Rountree, of W. D. Rountree & Company ; William H. White ;
F. S. Royster, president of the F. S. Royster Guano Company; R. Page Waller ; John N. Vaughan, of Vaughan & Barnes: D. Lowen- i berg: J. G. Womble: C. A. Woodard: C. Bil- lups. of C. Billups, Son & Company; Thomas R. Ballentine: Caldwell Hardy: William M. Whaley, president of the Roanoke R. R. & L. Company; and Henry Kirn.
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B. SCHWARZKOPF, who has been identified with the Norfolk National Bank since its organization, now oc- cupies the office of cashier. He was born in Norfolk, Virginia.
Mr. Schwarzkopf was reared and educated ments throughout. Every facility known to : in his natal city, and began his connection with the Nortelk National Bank on its establish- ment, as a runner. He made his services val- uable to the bank, and was rewarded by pro- inotion after promotion until he was made : cashier, a position he fills in a manner creditable to himself and to the entire satisfaction of all concerned. He is truly a self-made man. and his sterling worth to the community is recog- nized by all.
DGAR EUGENE DAWES, secretary of the Board of Trade and Business Men's Association of Norfolk, Vir- ginia, was born in that city April 5. 1857. He is a son of Samuel S. Dawes, and grandson of John Dawes, who were descendants of the English nobility.
Sir William Dawes, one of Edgar Eugene Dawes' ancestors, was one of the royal chap- lains of Queen Anne. The "Biographical Dictionary." published in Richmond, Virginia. in 1826, speaks of Sir William Dawes, as a pious and learned gentleman who was sent to the United States by Queen Anne to reorganize the Established Church. He settled in Vir- ginia, where he died in 1724. He was the anthor of several religious works.
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Jolin Dawes, the grandfather of the subject of this sketch, was born in Warwick County. Virginia, and became a seafaring man. serving in the United States Navy. He died at the age of 62 years. He married Ann Seymour; who died at the age of 77 years. Their chil- dren were: Robert; Samuel S .: Nelson: and Caroline, who married William Shelly.
Samuel S. Dawes, father of the subject hereof, was born at Hampton, Virginia, July 16, 1819. and at the age of 14 years entered a dry goods store at Hampton as a clerk. He continued as a elerk until 1845. when he es- tablished a general dry goods store on Church street, in Norfolk. Later he removed to Main street, where he carried on this business until the breaking out of the war. He then became a clerk in the treasurer's office in Richmond. and joined the Home Guards. After the war he returned to Norfolk, where he held the office of treasurer of Norfolk for 15 years. He then became entry elerk in the Custom House, and held that position four years, when he was chosen secretary of the Merchant & Manufac- turing Association. In 1895 Mr. Dawes re- tired from active business duties, and is living at his home on Boush street. He has enjoyed a very active and useful career, and is a man of considerable literary ability, having written much for newspapers, and also some poetry which lias been published. He married Mary Jane Seymour, who was born July 6, 1824. and died at the age of 62 years. She was a daugh- ter of William and Eliza Seymour. Her chil- dren were as follows: Robert N .. William S. and Samuel S .. deceased : Mary L .. who mar- ried Thomas H. Browne: and Edgar Eugene. :
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tee from the Third Ward for several years. The subject of this sketch is possessed of much business ability and is well and favorably known in Norfolk, being one of that city's most progressive business men. He married Mrs. Linda Wright Dey, and they have two children,-Linda R. and Edgar Eugene.
b ON. ALVINZA JEFFERS. a well- known resident of the city of Norfolk. Virginia, has been an extensive real estate dealer there since 1880 and through the medium of The Cornu- copia, which he edits and publishes, has at- tracted many men from other States to locate in Norfolk County or elsewhere in Virginia.
Mr. Jeffers was born in Canton. St. Law- rence County, New York, and received his education there. During his early manhood he taught school in New York State. Missouri and Kansas, and remained in the latter State for a period of to years. He spent most of this time in Marshall County, and while there was elected to the State Legislature of Kansas. where he served one term. He was then elected and served two terms as county superintendent of public instruction. In 1864 he enlisted in Battery D. New York Light Artillery, and served with bravery to the close of the war.
In 1880 Mr. Jeffers located in Norfolk. Virginia, and in 1884, started the publication of The Cornucopia, a paper devoted to the real estate interests of the county and State. He has placed in circulation more than a million copies of this paper, which contains maps and charts and illustrates to the public the advantages of this section. His office is a "Bureau of Information" respecting Eastern Virginia. His principal work has been in in- teresting capitalists of New York, Ohio, Illi- nois. Michigan and other States, and in this way he has drawn to this seaport the best men to invest money and to locate here. Fle has
Edgar Eugene Dawes was reared and edu- cated in Norfolk. For 24 years he was em- ployed as clerk for Burruss, Son & Company. at the end of which time he was made secre- tary of the Board of Trade and Business Men's Association of Norfolk, of which a full de- scription is given elsewhere in this volume. Mr. Dawes affiliates with the Democratic party. and was a member of the Democratic commit- , had some very extensive real estate transac-
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tions and has disposed of large tracts, of land profitably. In private life Mr. Jeffers is a man of strong personality, and the citizens of this section accord him the highest respect. and esteem him as one of the most substantial residents of the community.
AMES A. KERR, a member of the legal fraternity, and a notary public. of Norfolk, Virginia, is an excellent counselor and adviser, and is able to enroll his name on the list of the best lawyers of the State. Mr. Kerr was born at Petersburg. Virginia, where he grew to man- hood. A good practical education in the Uni- versity School of W. Gordon McCabe, of that city, was closely followed by a thorough normal course in the University of Virginia, which he entered in 1871. and from which he graduated with honors in 187.j. The following three years he labored in the capacity of schoolmas- ter, and during this time his spare eagles were hoarded and saved toward defraying the ex- penses of a legal education. Returning to the same university. Mr. Kerr then took a special law course, and was admitted to the bar in 1878.
Finding a most desirable location at Nor- folk he opened an office there during the same year and has confined his practice to that lo- cality ever since. His name had been before the public only a comparatively short time, before he was recognized as a man of ability, and as one who was an honor to his profession. After practicing alone for several years Mr. Kerr as- sociated himself with the late William H. C. Ellis, and together they engaged in the general practice of law, many important cases being handled by them in a very satisfying marner to their clients. In 1896 this partnership was dis- solved, and since that time Mr. Kerr has prac- ticed alone. In 1880 he was appointed United States Commissioner and retained the position until 1884. Since his retirement from that
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office he has practiced in the several courts and has filled with credit the office of notary public. In 1890 he was appointed commis- sioner of accounts for the Corporation Court of Norfolk City, which office he still holds.
With his superabundant energy and un- daunted perseverance, he has attracted to him- self a large and well-paying business. His close .application to his professional work. supple- mented by his genial and hearty manners, has not only surrounded him with a host of ad- miring friends, but has placed him among the leading attorneys and counselors-at-law in his county and State, and this distinction is well- merited. Although modest and unassuming in manner and somewhat reserved in public. Mr. Kerr is nevertheless a public-spirited citi- zen, and is deeply interested in the welfare and advancement of Norfolk.
HEODORE N. RAMSAY. a promi- nent real estate dealer of Norfolk. Virginia, has certainly done much to develop the suburbs of that city, and can well boast of his ability in this line of business. having sold upwards of 3.000 building lots during the past eight years.
Mr. Ramsay is a native of Raleigh, North Carolina, where he was practically reared. About 1884 he removed to Norfolk and en- gaged in the life insurance business, which oc- | cupied his attention until about eight years ago, when he discontinued it in order to en gage in buying and selling realty. He deals in both city and country property and still has a number of very desirable beach lots for sale.
Mr. Ramsay sold 1.Soo lots in Park Place alone; these sales were augmented by the dis- position of 1. 16o lots in Kensington and Wil- loughby additions, besides a large number of sales in various parts of Norfolk, and especi- ally in the popular suburb of Ghent. Many of these lots were sold on the installment plan. and thus splendid inducements were offered to
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the homeseeker, and these suburbs are now dotted with fine residences.
Mr. Ramsay has also been instrumental in selling a large number of truck farms, both in Mr. Johnston is unmarried. He is a man of firm purpose, and it is his constant aim to Norfolk County and in North Carolina, and stands to-day among the most active real estate . assist in elevating the social and moral condi- dealers in Norfolk. in the advancement of : tion of his community.
which city he has assisted so materially. His business integrity has stood the most severe ! tests, and his unqualified success is attributed to his ability to read character and to his quick- ness in perceiving the wants of his customers. Truly has he made an enviable record as a real estate dealer. and is also highly esteemed in his community as a citizen.
R RICHARD M. JOHNSTON, a well- equipped and promising young attor- ney-at-law and a worthy and es- teemed citizen of the flourishing city of Norfolk. Virginia, was born in Lincoln County, North Carolina, in 1876. Young Johnston proved to be very studious from early youth and his boyhood days were spent in attending the schools of his native place, where he won many a hard-fought bat- tle in his endeavors to fitly prepare himself for the struggle of life. After completing the course in the public schools he entered the Uni- versity of North Carolina, where he took up the study of law and determined to devote his life to that honorable profession.
ready identified himself with many of the in- dustries of Norfolk, whose prosperity is dear to his beart.
HARLES PARKER BREESE. con- sulting mechanical engineer for the firm of Carpenter, Breese & Fergui- son, well-known architects of Nor- folk, Norfolk County, Virginia, was born in Brooklyn, New York.
Mr. Breese was born in Brooklyn, and re- ceived his education at the Sheffield Scientific School, of Yale University. He chose the pro- fession of a mechanical engineer, and devoted many months to that work, grasping the minutest details. After doing work in all parts of the United States he removed to Nor- folk, where he has since been established in business. On June 15, 1901, the firm of Car- penter, Breese & Ferguson was established, succeeding J. E. R. Carpenter, architect. Car- penter, Breese & Ferguson have received many large contracts, and among the buildings which they have planned and completed are the Hume Building, Withers Building, the Second Presbyterian Church, Swan Building, Coun- try Club House, the Gill Warehouse, for the Henry Walke Company, and many others. They have also remodeled many business houses, warehouses and private homes.
Mr. Johnston entered the University of North Carolina in 1896. He was subsequently admitted to the bar and became a full-fledged Mr. Breese has charge of the plans of elec- tric lighting plants and electric railways, also buildings and factories, and is thoroughly versed in mechanical and electrical engineer- ing in all its branches. He has a wide repu- tation, and there is no better engineer in this section of Virginia. He is a member of the lawyer. He came to the bar in Norfolk in 1900 and lias met with an unusual degree of success, gaining a foothold among men of his profession. He is a thorough student. is methodical and industrious in all the details of his business, both private and public, and. as a general practitioner, it is predicted. he will 'Board of Trade and Business Men's Associ- soon win an enviable position. He has al- : ation of Norfolk; Virginia Club; Country
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Club; Norfolk Lodge, No. I. A. F. & A. M .; and Ruth Lodge, No. 89. A. F. & A. M. He was married. in 1889, to Miss M. G. Moore, daughter of Dr. E. D. Moore, deceased.
H AUGUSTUS T. STROUD, attorney-at- law in the city of Norfolk, Norfolk County, Virginia, was born in Nor- folk in 1879, and is a son of John Stroud, and a grandson of Edward
Stroud.
Matthew Stroud. the great-great-grand- father of Augustus T., died before 1800. He was a native of England, and was a master mariner. John Stroud, the great-grandfather. was a stone-mason and one of the sub-con- tractors for the building of Fortress Monroe. He married a Miss Sturgess, of the Eastern Shore of Virginia. Edward Stroud, his son, was a farmer by occupation, and served as sergeant in Doyle's Cavalry during the Con- federate War. He became the owner of a large traet of land at Ocean View and Sewell's Point. About the time of the Revolution. the : residence on this property was a court house. and the kitchen a jail. The Confederate sol- ! diers camped on his farm. John Stroud, the father of Augustus T., was born at Ocean View, his birthplace being where the Ocean View Hotel now stands. He was always en- gaged in mercantile pursuits, conducting a re- tail grocery store in Norfolk. He owned a fine home at Ghent. He married Emina Cook. a daughter of Cassius Cook of Norfolk.
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Augustus T. Stroud, whose name opens these lines, attended the Norfolk Academy. from which he was graduated in 1897. He then entered the University of Virginia, and graduated from the law department of that in- stitution in 1900. He engaged in the general practice of his profession in Norfolk, where he has taken an earnest interest in all local affairs. He has been quite active in political matters, having been a delegate to many conventions.
and also a candidate for the State Legislature. As a lawyer, he has won considerable recogni- tion, as he is an earnest advocate and fluent speaker. He purchased 45 acres of land at Sewell's Point, and divided it into resident lots to form a negro colony: he has already sold over too lots to negroes. He has also done some building there. He possesses good sound judgment and much energy, and is looked upon as one of Norfolk's most promis- ing young business men.
ARIUS W. TODD, a retired merchant of Norfolk, Norfolk County, Vir- ginia, was born in Westchester Coun- ty, New York, and is a son of Dr. D. W. Todd. Dr. Todd came to Norfolk during the siege of yellow fever. and did much noble work in assisting in the eare of the afflicted.
Darius W. Todd, the subject of this sketch. first engaged himself as a elerk in the grocery establishment of S. S. Griggs upon loeating in Norfolk. In 1858, he opened a restaurant. which afterward became known as the Atlantic Hotel. and was located on Water street. Ile then established a wholesale liquor and tobacco house, to which was subsequently added a re- tail department. James G. Gill. James G. Todd and J. H. Schlegel were taken into the firm in 1898. Three years later, Mr. Gill withdrew from the firm. and Mr. Todd sold his interest to his son. The firin is now known as Todd & Schlegel, wholesale and retail to- baceo dealers. Besides building up this large business, Mr. Todd has been extensively en- gaged in buying and selling property. He has done considerable buikling in Norfolk and Berkley, and is the owner of a fine tract of land in Berkley, and many residences. He has traveled abroad, therchy gaining many new ideas, which have been of assistance to him in his business.
While Mr. Todd is retired from active busi-
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ness duties, he is keenly alive to all progressive movements of the citizens of Norfolk and the surrounding towns, and is ever ready to give his assistance to any worthy enterprise. He makes his home in Portsmouth, and is one of the most active citizens in that town. He has always possessed excellent business ability. sound judgment, and ceaseless energy. perse- vering in all that he has undertaken. No business man in Norfolk or its vicinity is better known that Mr. Todd.
B ENJAMIN R. JONES & COMPANY is one of the largest and most suc- cessful real estate firms in the city of Norfolk. Virginia, and consists of Benjamin R. and Alexander M. Jones. The former was born in North Caro- lina, in 1860, and the latter was born in Edge- comb, of the same State. in 1870, both being sous of Rev. Richard Henry Jones, a retired Episcopalian minister, who now resides in Norfolk.
Benjamin R. Jones came to Norfolk about 1885, and entered into a partnership under the firm name of Marshall & Jones. They engaged in real estate business on an extensive scale. and in 1890 developed Lambert's Point. In a period of four months, they sold property amounting to $484,000, the land consisting of 490 acres formerly known as the truck farms of Parker. Rust, Mellon. Backus, Landberry. Cooper, Conovo & Brother, and Wood. Many fine houses have been built, streets graded and trees set out, making an attractive little suburb. After the dissolution of the firm of Marshall & Jones, the firm of Benjamin R. Jones & Company was established. In 1900. they sold for $140,000 a tract of land at Tanner's Creek, at the present time owned by the New Norfolk Company. They have dealt largely in timber lands in North Carolina and Vir- ginia, and also in mining lands. In 1895 Mr. Jones organized the land company which has
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