USA > Virginia > City of Norfolk > City of Norfolk > History of Norfolk County, Virginia and representative citizens, V.2 > Part 46
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
placed Woodland Addition on the market. and which owns about one-third of it at the pres- ent time. They have graded streets, set out shade trees, and built walks, and about 30 fine modern residences have been erected. They organized the Villa Heights Company, and helped to organize other land companies, which have done much toward developing the suburbs of the city of Norfolk. It is their aim to sell to men who will improve the prop- erty, and take an interest in the welfare of the city. In 1900 Benjamin R. Jones formed and organized the Smokeless Furnace Company of Portsmouth, manufacturers of smokeless fur- naces, and on January 16. 1902. Benjamin R. Jones & Company and A. J. Newton bought out the entire business of the furnace com- pany, and are now sole owners and proprietors. The Jones brothers are men of superior busi- ness ability, and their honest and straightfor- ward transactions have gained them respect wherever they are known.
AMES Y. DEBAUN is one of the pro- gressive farmers of Norfolk County, Virginia, and has a fine farm of 145 acres. located south of the town of Berkley. He was born near Pater- son. New Jersey, about 20 miles from the city of New York, and is a son of Garrett Duryea and Elizabeth ( Young ) DeBaun. The history of the DeBaun and Young families is given in detail in the sketch of John G. DeBaun. brother of the subject hereof.
Garrett Duryea DeBaun was born in New Jersey, October 17. 1826. and has been a farit- er throughout his entire life. He rentoved to Norfolk County, Virginia. in March. 1869, and after remaining here for many years finally lo- cated in Princess Anne County. Virginia, where he now resides and owns a fine farm. He was married in New Jersey to Elizabeth Young, and the following children blessed their union : John G., a biographical sketch of
:
1006
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
whom appears elsewhere in this volume; Hat- tie; James Y., whose name heads these lines ; Theodosia; Peter and Jacob. The combined holdings of the different members of the De- Baun family, in Norfolk County, amount to more than 1,000 acres in Washington district, Norfolk County.
James Y. DeBaun came to Norfolk Coun- ty, Virginia, with his parents in 1869, and has been a resident of Washington district since that time. About 1891, he located upon his present farm, which lies near the old estate of his father. He has a farm of 145 acres. which he devotes to general trucking and stock raising, in which branches he has met with good results. He is a man of good ability and excellent character, and stands high in the es- teem of his fellow men.
Mr. DeBaun was joined in marriage with Lucy Wetzel, who was born in Ohio, in 1867, and they have reared four children, as follows : Garrett : James: Bessie; and Kattie. In poli- tics. Mr. DeBaun is a strong supporter of Democratic principles.
-
RANCIS RICHARDSON has for many years been prominent among the many real estate men in Norfolk, Virginia, and in that time has estab- lished a number of suburbs of the city which will long stand as monuments to his memory.
saw the growth of the city would be in the di- rection of this town, the site of which had been a farm under partial cultivation. It was owned by George Bramble, who had 245 acres, the only tenant being W. H. C. Lovitt. Mr. Rich- ardson purchased 40 acres of this land and in- duced J. F. B. Marshall to purchase an ad- joining tract of 36 acres. They laid out the land in lots, and opened up streets, built roads and bridges to draw country travel through their property. Their intention to establish a inodel community in every particular was car- ried out to the end. The streets were opened at a uniform width of 60 feet and were made to intersect each other at right angles. $1, 200 was expended in laying out brick and board sidewalks. Due precaution was taken that the moral tone of the community should be of the best. and in the sale of lots. the carly pur- chasers were required to give a bond in the sum of $1,ooo not to sell or permit to be sold intoxicating liquors on the premises, by which means the temperance sentiment was firmly es- tablished. The result of this enterprise is well known. Mr. Lovitt, who controlled adjoining land, joined with the original promoters in their work, and through the efforts of J. F. B. Marshall and Mr. Richardson, a tract of 30 acres was purchased by Mrs. M. Hemenway. a wealthy and philanthropic lady of Boston, who aided greatly in carrying out their plans. There were in 1887, at the time of annexa- tion to Norfolk, about 500 handsome brick and frame houses in Brambleton, and numerous dwellings, schools and churches have since been built. The population numbers about 5.000, and consists of the very highest class of citizens. The suburb became a part of the of Norfolk under very advantageous condi- tions, including the right of local option. Mr. Richardson and his associates can look with pride upon their work, and it is safe to say his name will always be connected with that of Brambleton.
Mr. Richardson was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and was there reared. He re- ceived his education in Haverford College, from which he was graduated. He then en- .gaged in the fruit and nursery business at Macedon, Wayne County, New York, in 1860, and continued thus until 1868. He sold his in- terests and removed to Norfolk, Virginia, in IS70. He embarked in the real estate business and in that year took steps toward the estab- lishment of a suburb of Norfolk, which became Mr. Richardson also purchased a tract of Brambleton. With wonderful foresight he , land at Campostella. in Berkley, and laid out
------
1007
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.
140 lots. He is president of the Park View Land Company of Portsmouth, and was one of its original promoters. He was a promoter and stockholder of the South Portsmouth Land & Improvement Company, which has about 900 lots. In 1891, he established in South Portsmouth an ornamental and shade tree nur- sery, growing Norway maple, ehm and poplar trees. He is president of the Southern Branch Drawbridge Company. He served as super- visor of census in 1880, and is a member of the recently organized Chamber of Commerce. He was one of the first promoters of shell roads, which have since been built in all directions from the city of Norfolk.
W. PANNILL. real-estate dealer. is , his community. He is a member of the Royal Arcanum.
one of the most energetic and active men in that line of business in the city of Norfolk. Virginia. 'He is also identified with several other important real-estate concerns, among them .-- the Nor- folk Real Estate & Stock Exchange, of which he is secretary.
Mr. Pannill is a Virginian by birth, his birth having occurred at Petersburg in this State. About 1884, he moved to Norfolk and worked two years as clerk in a wholesale gro- cery house, previous to entering the real-estate business, in which he has shown much ability by making some very remarkable sales. Upon first embarking in this business, he was asso- ciated with his brother. A. P. Pannill, and the firm name was Pannill Brothers. Together they entered into the development of Ghent. now a very popular suburb of Norfolk. Sev- cral hundred sales were made in this addition alone. besides a large number in various other parts of the city, while some little attention was also given to buying and selling farms and truck patches.
Second Addition to Norfolk, or West Ghent. as it is known. A large number of valuable building lots in that locality have been disposed of since then by this enterprising firm, and beautiful cottages and handsome modern resi- dences have sprung up as if by magic, as many as 26 having been built in six months' time upon land sold by Mr. Panmill alone : he deals principally in city property.
Mr. Pannill is one of the representative men of his section in matters pertaining to realty and his opinions are sought and valued as those of a man of delibcrate and temperate judgment and intelligent thought. His long experience in his business has given him a clear insight into all of its various details In the advancement of Norfolk he is certainly an im- portant factor, and has the good will of all in
LAUDIUS R. PARLETT. This gen- tleman is one of Norfolk's most prominent architects and builders. He is also a member of the firm of D. O. & C. R. Parlett, dealers in general building supplies, at Annapolis. Mary- land. He was born in Harford County, Mary- land.
Mr. Parlett spent the first 18 years of his life in his native county. In 1882. he removed to Norfolk, Norfolk County, Virginia, where he worked as a journeyman for his brother, D. S. He soon entered into contract building, and has erected many of the best and most sub- stantial buildings in Norfolk. In 1889, he built the City Market and Armory, and has also erected the following buildings, namely : No. I school house in Brambleton: Epworth Methodist Episcopal Church, South; Christian Church, now known as the Christian Memorial Church, and a number of modern and beautiful " homes, such as those of F. S. Royster. C. Wes- ley Fentress, G. L. Arps. Dr. Grandy. G. W.
Subsequently the prosent company was formed, and since 1900 this firm has devoted 1 especial attention to making sales in Chent's | Roper, and others. He has enlarged and re-
-71-
100S
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
modeled many prominent business blocks, such lighted by gas and electric lights, the electric as the Albemarle, and built the Tunstall, New : light plant being owned by the concern. The Century, and the Eclipse, formerly the old Na- tional Hotel. establishment consists of a reception room, which is handsomely furnished; nine dressing In 1901. Mr. Parlett became cqual partner in the firm of D. O. & C. R. Parlett. dealers in general building supplies, at Annapolis, Mary- land. This firm does a large business and is ! well known. In January, 1900, Mr. Parlett was appointed, together with F. E. Notting- ham and A. Treadwell, city assessors. Mr. . Parlett is one of the most progressive business men of Norfolk. He is an architect of splen- did ability, and the buildings which he has erected are a monument to his thorough under- standing of his profession and the excellency of his workmanship. He is deeply interested in the progress and development of Norfolk, and lends his assistance to any worthy enter- prise. rooms ; four sleeping rooms and io lounges. all showing artistic arrangement, and being con- ducive to comfort and cleanliness. The treat- ment is considered excellent for rheumatism. gout, nervous prostration. and colds, and the baths are patronized by many of the leading. residents of the city, as well as by visitors to the city. The procedure from the time of en- tering the building until the time of leaving is a most interesting one. One enters a neat dress- ing room where he prepares for a bath. and is then ushered to the hot room, where the tem- perature is at 150 degrees : the feet are placed in hot water and the patron is retained here until he gets up a free perspiration. This room is provided with cold water for drinking. and a Mr. Parlett married a Miss Brock, who died early in life. He married, secondly, Mar- garet Gordon, a danghter of William Gordon of Richmond, Virginia, and a niece of Dr. Gordon of Norfolk. paper or book for reading. He next passes into the steam room, where he is thoroughly steamed: he is then placed on the marble slab and given a good washing, and massage, and his hair is shampooed. He is next taken to the shower baths, and thence to the pool, which is virtually a basin 14 by 18 feet in dimensions. with four feet nine inches of clear, running wat- er. of the right temperature. He takes a plunge. and the reaction immediately takes place. He is then put on a cot, to rest. after which he may enjoy the library and smoking room. invigor- ated with new life, and feeling the activity of youth again.
ILLIAM E. KING is manager of the Turkish Bath House, of Norfolk. Virginia, an establishment which is of a high class in every respect. and equal to the bath houses of many of the largest cities in this country. The thorough management of this place has brought it into great popularity, and it has frequently been necessary to increase its facili- ties. For many years Turkish baths were given in St. Vincent's Hospital on a very small plan, and in time the present building was erected in addition to the hospital. In 189.4. the establishment was remodeled, and again in 1900. so tliat at the present time it possesses all the equipment of a modern Turkish bath- house. It is finished in hard wood and marble : the building is of brick, steam heated, and & Jones.
Mr. King was born. in 1867. on a farm. in Anderson. South Carolina, and was reared there. He spent some time in the regular army, and for one year was at the World's Fair at Chicago as a member of the Columbian Guards. After this he entered the Turkish bath business, which he learned in every detail. He spent much time in the best bath-houses of the South, and in 1804 came to Norfolk to succeed V. T. Hoffman as manager of the baths here. He is ably assisted by Charles C.
CAPT. ETHAN ALPHONSO ALLEN.
2
MRS. MARY ALLEN JENNINGS.
IOII
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.
m IRS. MARY ALLEN JENNINGS. one of the best known and most highly respected women of Lam- bert's Point, Norfolk County, Vir- ginia, where she is at the present writing successfully engaged in horticultural operations and truck farming, is a daughter of Capt. Ethan Alphonso Allen, and granddaugh- ter of Col. Ethan Allen, of Revolutionary fame. Mrs. Jennings was born in her present home. April 17, 1829. this property having been in the possession of the family since I708.
.
The following article. handed to us by Mrs. Jennings, is of particular interest as relating to the historic figure, Ethan Allen, and to his second wife, grandparents of our subject :
ETHAN ALLEN'S SECOND WIFE
A Bit of Local Personal History.
Since the mention, in a recent number of the Frec Press, of the fact that among the graves in Elmwood Cemetery, Burlington, Vermont, is that of the second wife of Ethan Allen, many persons have visited the grave. The inscription on her tombstone, which is a horizontal tablet, is as follows:
Bencath this Stone Rest the Remains of Frances Montezuma. wife of Dr. Jabez Penniman. Who Died October 13. 1834. Aged 74 years.
.
There was living in New York City, in the year 1762, according to Mr. Hall. a widow lady. named Mar- garet Montesquieu. She had been the wife of a colonel in the British service, who was killed in the old French and Indian War, leaving her a widow with a child. named Frances. This child in after years became the second wife of Gen. Ethan Allen. and he her second husband. Her mother, after the death of Montesquien. made the acquaintance. in New York, of Crean Brush. an Irishman and a widower who was employed in the office of the Secretary of the Province of New York. and married him. He soon after came to Vermont, settled in Westminster, and became clerk and sur- rogate of Cumberland County, which county com -. prised the territory now included in the counties of Windham and Windsor, with parts of other coumie -. It is of interest. by the way, to note the fact that the charter of Cumberland County, granted by the Province of New York, elegantly written on parchment. was presented to the University of Vermont by the late
Udney H. Penniman of Colchester, and is still pre- served in the University's library.
When the American Colonies revolted. Crean Brush becanie a virulent and active Tory He repre- sented Cumberland County in the Legislature of the Province of New York, and procured the passage of a bill. offering a reward of froo sterling each for the apprehension of Ethan Allen and Remember Baker. He was in the British service as a commissioner to receive confiscated property, was captured by a United States frigate on board a ship which he had loaded with the property of American patriots, and lay for 19 months 'in jail in Boston. From this jail he es- caped by exchanging garments with his wife, win had been permitted to visit him in his cell. Disguised in his wife's petticoats, he walked out unmolested. when the turnkey closed the jail for the night. His wife had left a horse tied outside for him, and he made his way to New York, then held by the British. Having suffered the loss of his lands in Vermont. and of his own self-respect, he finally. in 1778, blew out his brains with a pistol.
Shortly before this event, his step-daughter. Fran- ces Montesquieu, being then a girl of 18 years, mar- ried Captain Buchanan, a British officer. He only lived one year after the marriage : and she was a wilow in 1783 and was living in Westminster with her mother. who was then a Mrs. Wall, having comracted a third marriage with one Patrick Wall.
Mrs. Buchanan was then about 23 years old. and is described as a handsome and fascinating woman. Crean Brush had left her by his will a third of his property, which amounted to something in spite of his heavy losses, and she created a decided sensation among the villagers by her dashing style and imperious bearing. Gen. Ethan Allen made her acquaintance during his frequent visits to Westminster, and a some- what intermittent friendship arose between them He was a widower, his first wife having died a year be- fore. She was flattered by the attentions of the lead- ing spirit of the new commonwealth, and was at- tracted by his original conversation and finer traits of character, while at times his strong nature and some- what rough ways repelled her. The gentler feelings prevailed in time: che consented to marry him. and they were married on the 16th of February. 1784. There were some novel features about the ceremony. She and her mother at that time occupied rooms in the large mansion of Gen. Stephen R. Bradley in West- minster. The Supreme Court of Vermont was in session there, and Chief Justice Moses Robinson and one or two other judges were boarding for the time at General Bradley's
On the morning of the day named -- a sharp winter morning-while Gen. Bradley and the judges were at breakfast. Gen. Allen drove up to the door with a pair of spirited horses and black driver. Entering Mrs. Wall's apartments, he found Mrs. Buchaque mn her morning gown, standing on a chair, arranging sonte china on the shelves of a closet. "Well. Fanny." he said, "if we are to be married. now is the time for i am on my way to Arlington." "Very well." she replied,
IO12
HISTORY OF NORFOLK COUNTY
getting down from the chair ;- "but give me time to put on my josie" (A "joseph" was the name then given to an offer garment with large cape, much worn by ladies when riding.) Soon after. the couple appeared in the breakfast room, and addressing the Chief Justice. Gen. Allen said: "Judge Robinson, this young woman and myself have concluded to marry, and we would like the Judge, much surprised. "Now," replied Allen. "For myself," he continued. "I have no great opinion of such formality, and from what I can discover, she thinks as little of it as I do. but as a deccht respect for the opinions of mankind seems to require it you will please proceed." "General." said the Judge." this is an in- portant matter. Have you given it due consideration ?" "Certainly." replied Allen, "but." looking at Mrs. Buchanan, "I do not think it requires much considera- tion." The ceremony then procceded until the Judge put the customary question, whether he ( Ethan ) would live with Frances. "according to the law of God." "Stop." cried Allen: then after a pause and looking out of the window-"The law of God is written in the great Book of Nature. yes, go on." The ceremony ended. Mrs. Allen's trunk and guitar case were placed
"Ethan Allen was born on the 21st of January, 1739. and Fanny Allen, his wife, was born the 4th of April, 1760, and were married the 16th of February, 1784. This book is a present from the author to his lady :
Dear Fanny. wife. the beautiful and young, The partner of my joys, my dearest self, My love, pride of my life, your sex's pride, And pattern of sincere politeness To thee a welcome compliment I make Of treasures rich, the 'Oracles of Reason.'"
Fanny Buchanan made a faithful and affectionate wife to Ethan Allen. She was wont to hold a rather stiff curb on his impetuous nature as when she drove a nail high up in the wall of their bed room, and re- quired him to hang his watch upon it every night when he came home from a convivial meeting, as a test that he was reasonably sober when he came in. It is re- ported that he did not always come home sober: buit that he always made out. by hook or crook. to get his watch on the nail, and that he would then refuse to take any lecture the next morning, pointing triumphantly to the ticking instrument on the nail. as the agreed ttpon proof that he was not tipsy when he came to bed. She bore him three children: Hannibal; Fanny, who became a nun in a Catholic convent of Hotel Dieu, in
Montreal. and Ethan Alphonso. She and their children came with him to his new home in Burlington. Some time after his death, she married as her third husband. Dr. Jabez Penniman of Colchester, who was the col- lector of customs for the District of Vermont under the administration of President Jefferson.
Hon. David Read, in his chapter of the history of to have you perform the ceremony .. " "When?" asked . Colchester, describes ber as "a woman highly esteemed, of brilliant mind and a highly cultivated taste." She was much interested in botany and floriculture and especially in "the cultivation and improvement of wild : flowers." Her full-length portrait was painted when she was about nine years old, by Copley. the famous artist. Copley also painted the portrait of her mother when she was Mrs. Brush. These portraits were for- merly in the possession of Udney H. Ponniman; and recently have been returned to Burlington and are now in possession of Mrs. Prof. Goodrich. They are ex- ceedingly interesting. not only as specimen of Copley's earlier work, but as illustrating the costume of the time. and preserving the features of Ethan Allen's wife and mother-in-law.
The subject of this sketch. Mrs. Fanny Montesquieu Buchanan Allen Penniman, bore four children after in the General's sleigh, and they took their leave and. i her marriage to Dr. Jabez Penniman. viz: Hortensia, were driven to the General's home in Sunderland. Bennington County. Thus did the step-daughter and heir in part of the notorious Tory, Crean Brush, he- ! come the wife of the man for whose head Brush had caused a reward of fioo sterling to be offered. four years before! A volume of Ethan Allen's "Oracles of Reason" in the State Library, bears on the fly leaf the following in Gen. Allen's bold handwriting. The book was then fresh from the press. who married Judge William Brayton of Swanton : U'dney H. : Julietta, who married Dr. Nathan R. Smith of Baltimore, Maryland; and Adelia. who married George Harrington, and after his death married the late Dr. Robert Moody, of Burlington. Four of her descendants are now residing in this city. viz: Mrs. J. E. Goodrich. daughter of Adelia: Mr. Luther Penni- man, son of Udney, and Miss Minnie and Miss Effie Moore, children of Clarinda Penniman, who was the daughter of Udney.
Capt. Ethan Alphonso Allen, father of Mrs. Jennings, was a native of the Green Mountain State and was born at Burlington October 24. 1789. He was a captain in the United States Army and won merited distinction for his dar- ing and bravery. He was a man of remark- ably fine and commanding appearance and by his enthusiasm infused much patriotism into the breasts of his fellow-soldiers. He was twice married, his first union being with Mary Su- san Johnston, a native of Lambert's Point. Norfolk County, Virginia, born September 26, 1797. One child, a son. Ethan Alphonso Al- len, blessed this union for a time, but is now deceased : he left a son also named Ethan Al- len, who had a son Ethan Samuel Allen. The mother died November 1, 1818. A number of years later Captain Allen contracte l a second marriage, being united April 4. 1826, with
E
1
1013
AND REPRESENTATIVE CITIZENS.
Martha Washington Johnston, who was born February 22, 1802, and died April 20, 1855. She was the mother of our subject and was a daughter of Capt. John Johnston, a famous ma- riner and a noted sea captain, who purchased the present home of Mrs. Jennings in 1798 and called it "Lebanon." Because of the magnifi- cent driveway bordered with magnolias, the home is now called "Magnolia Grove."
An obituary of Capt. Ethan Alphonso Al- len appeared in the New York Herald of Sat- urday, January 13. 1855. It is as follows :
"Capt. Allen died at Norfolk, Virginia. on the 6th inst .. in the 66th year of his age. Captain Allen was a son of Colonel Ethan Al- len. of Revolutionary renown. and particularly distinguished for the affair at Ticonderoga. Captain Allen was born in Vermont, and hav- ing been educated at West Point, entered the army. He served until 1821, when the army was reduced. The annexed correspondence took place on Captain Allen's retirement from the army. The first letter is from the non- commissioned officers and soldiers of his com- mand. Colonel Ethan Allen left but two sons. of which the subject of the present sketch was the younger. His brother, Captain Hannibal Allen died while in command of Fort Nelson, Norfolk Harbor, in the year 1814. Three braver soldiers than Colonel Ethan Allen and his sons never drew sword :
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.