USA > Virginia > City of Norfolk > City of Norfolk > History of Norfolk County, Virginia and representative citizens, V.2 > Part 49
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Samuel C. Phillips, the subject of our bi- ography, received his education in the Norfolk Military Academy, then conducted by Prof. William R. Galt. After the war, in 1867. Mr. Phillips embarked in the notion business on Main street, at the head of Commercial Place, which he conducted successfully for several years. He started his present business on a small scale some five years ago and now car- ries one of the largest stocks of furniture, car- : pets and house furnishings in the city, occupy- 1 ing three large stores. the center one of which is three stories in height. and every available space is occupied. He employs seven assist- ants and does an extensive business throughout Virginia and North Carolina.
Mr. Phillips has become very well known : in Norfolk as a reliable and trusworthy man. and all his dealings are honest and fair with all. His success has been of his own making and he has worked with untiring energy, and every day makes new customers. He holds office in several local organizations, notable among which are Pocahontas Council. No. 493. Royal Arcanum, in which, after passing through all the chairs, he has been made trustee of its funds. He is secretary of the Emerald Bene- - ficial Association, as also of the Catholic Knights of America and a director of the Twin
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City Permanent Building Association. as also a director of the Traders' & Truckers' Bank of Norfolk, Virginia, a stockholder of the Tidewater Fire Insurance Company. and a member of the Business Men's Association.
1 AMES S. GROVES,* president of the James S. Groves & Company, whole- sale commission house, vice-president and general manager of Chautauqua- by-the-Sea Assembly, vice-president and manager of the Virginia Beach Develop- inent Company, president of the Virginia Beach Ice Company, and vice-president and general manager of the Ocean View Pleasure Com- pany, has been a resident of Norfolk, Virginia. for only nine years, but is a practical real estate man, and is looked upon as an authority in real estate deals and investment securities, having devoted many years to the business.
Mr. Groves was born at Wellington. North Carolina, and was reared and schooled in the same locality. When grown to manhood. he went to Roanoke, Virginia, where he engaged in the real estate business and for seven years was instrumental in developing that city. Dur- ing that time he served in the City Council, was a director of the Exchange Bank, and at one time was a candidate for mayor of that city.
Upon locating in Norfolk Mr. Groves' long experience in the real estate business gave him an insight into the future of the city, and he was quick to grasp the opportunities there of- fered. He has ever since been one of the prin- cipal factors in its development and improve- ment. In 1894 he established. at Nos. 39 and 41 Roanoke dock. the wholesale commission house of James S. Groves & Company, one of the most prosperous wholesale mercantile establishments of Norfolk. S. J. Kennedy is secretary and treasurer of the company: all kinds of produce from Florida, Tennessee. North Carolina and Virginia, are handled
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with facility, and large shipments are made to the North, and throughout the eastern part of the United States.
In 1900 Mr. Groves became interested in the Virginia Beach Development Company. He has served as vice-president and general manager of that company since its organization. He was one of the organizers of the Ocean View Pleasure Company. In 1900 this com- pany built a pier. 1,000 feet long and 20 feet wide, all above high tide. which has done mnich to make the place what it is to-day, a famous pleasure resort. From this pier fish- ing can be indulged in to the heart's content. Seats are provided for those desiring to watch the boats, or to enjoy the ocean breeze. A "merry-go-round" and a vaudeville perform- ance, accompanied by a fine orchestra, provide ample entertainment for the pleasure seeker.
Few men of Norfolk have been more ener- getic and active in building up that city than has Mr. Groves, and to such men as he are due its wonderful strides of improvement and progress. Although he has never sought office in Norfolk, he is an active worker in the inter- ests of his adopted home, and is esteemed by all who know him. He is a valued member of the Board of Trade and Business Men's As- sociation, of Norfolk.
ARRY K. WOLCOTT# is the senior member of the firm of Wolcott. Wol- cott & Gage, a combination of legal talent which has attracted wide at- temion by its success in practice and takes rank among the leading law firms of Nor- folk.
Harry K. Wolcott was born in Granville. Ohio, October 23, 1868. He attended the com- mon schools of Van Wert County, Ohio, and then entered upon the study of law in the Uni- versity of Michigan, at Ann Arbor. He grad- uated from that institution with the class of 1892 and in that year was admitted to the bar
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in the State of Ohio. He was engaged in the practice of his profession, alone, in Van Wert County, until April 27, 1894, when he became associated with his brother, Edward W. Wol- cott. They gained a lucrative patronage and continued in practice there until 1895. when they removed to Norfolk, Virginia, and were admitted to practice in the same. Their suc- cess was immediate, and in 1898 they took into partnership Ralph P. Gage, also of Ohio. They have had charge of many cases in the courts of Norfolk County, and Harry K. Wolcott won an enviable reputation as a criminal lawyer. in the trial of Orville I. Fleming, on the charge of murder. His whole interest is centered in his profession, which he has fully mastered. He is as successful in the preparation of cases for trial as in the argument before court or jury. The offices of the firm are located in the City National Bank Building. Mr. Wolcott is an active worker in the Y. M. C. A., of which he is a director.
Edward W. Wolcott was born in Granville, Ohio, April 19, 1871, and was reared and edu- ! cated in Van Wert County, Ohio. He was ad- mitted to the bar of Ohio in 1894 and then be- came a partner of his brother, Harry K. Wol- cott. He is a Republican in politics, and when but 22 years of age was elected chairman of the party organization in Van Wert County, Ohio. He also came to Norfolk, Virginia. to engage in the practice of his profession. and stands well, both as a member of the bar and as a citizen.
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H RTHUR C. FREEMAN .* a prominent business man of Norfolk, Virginia, was made manager of the Mutual Life Insurance Company in 1895. He was made superintendent of the company's agents for Virginia, under O. F. ' Bresee & Sons, the following year, and was then promoted to be one of the executive special agents of the company, in which capacity he , member of the Select Council of the city. has displayed rare ability.
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Mr. Freeman was born in Norfolk in 1845 and is a son of Joseph M. Freeman, and grand- son of Joseph Freeman. His father was born in Yorktown, Virginia, and learned the jewelry trade from Joseph Clarico, who manufactured and sold watches and jewelry in Norfolk, in 1792. Joseph M. Freeman married the daugh- ter of his employer, and succeeded to the own- ership of the concern in 1831. The business passed into the hands of the subject hereof in 1873. Mrs. Freeman died in 1876 and her husband passed away in 1882. They reared five sons, who served in the Confederate War. as follows: Virginius; Joseph M. : William H .: Robert; and Arthur C. Virginius, who was a chief engineer in the United States Navy, resigned to offer his sword to the State of Virginia. He was immediately appointed a chief engineer in the Confederate States Navy and ordered to New Orleans, where he remained until the fall of that city. He was then stationed at Charleston until it capitulated. He surrendered at Greensboro, North Caro- lina, with Johnston's army. Joseph M. also served in the United States Navy, and resigned in 1853 to engage in business with his father. At the outbreak of the war he joined the Con- federate States Navy, and later became a mem- ber of the Norfolk Light Artillery Blues : still later he again served in the navy. William H. raised a company, and was made a captain in the Confederate States Army. Resigning in 1864 he went into the Confederate States Navy and was stationed at Wilmington, North Car- olina. Robert served in Company G. 6th Regi- ment, Virginia Infantry, Mahone's Brigade. He participated in all the battles of that bri- gade, and was captured on the retreat follow- ing the battle of Gettysburg. He was ex- changed, and enlisted in the Confederate Navy and was on board the "Albemarle" when that vessel was blown up. Joseph M. Freeman was elected treasurer of the city of Norfolk but refused to qualify. He served, however, as a
Arthur C. Freeman attended private school
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in Norfolk, and in 1861, when the Confederate | of Robert Waller, and to this union Judge War broke out, enlisted in the City Guard, of i George Blow was born.
Norfolk. He was with that body until it dis- Judge George Blow, father of Mrs. Free- man, was educated at the University of Vir- . ginia, and graduated from the law department. He then went to Texas, where he acquired a large practice and was clected to Congress. He subsequently returned to Norfolk, where banded and then enlisted in North Carolina, as orderly sergeant in the Goldsboro Guards, un- der Captain Gregory. He was transferred to the navy and served under command of Com- modore Tatuall and Commodore William Wal- lace Hunter. He was one of the officers in the practiced law. and was elected to the State the expedition that captured the United States Steamer "Water Witch."
Lient. Thomas Pelot, C. S. Navy, who led the expedition, was killed in action. After the fall of Savannah Mr. Freeman was ordered to the "Chicoro" at Charleston, and upon the fall of that city went with the naval brigade to Drewry's Bluff, and served until the close of the war. He has since resided in Norfolk and is one of the substantial business men of the city. In Igor, at a banquet given in Washing- ton, he was presented by the Mutual Life In- surance Company with a beautiful gold watch. with monogram and date, for being the largest insurance writer in their employ in the State of Virginia.
Mr. Freeman was united in marriage with Emma B. Blow. a daughter of Judge George Blow. She comes of a very prominent family in this locality. The first of the family in this country was Samuel Blow, who, it is supposed. came from England, as he received from the crown a large grant of land, located in Sussex and Hampton counties, Virginia. His son. Richard Blow, settled at Portsmouth, although he owned interests on both sides of the river. He was president of one of Norfolk's earliest banks. He was also a large ship merchant. and owned numerous sailing vessels which plied be- tween Norfolk, the West Indies and other ports. He received a vote of thanks for the use of a ship by the government, during the Revolutionary War. He left a large property. to which his son. George Blow, added large es- tates on the James River, and abandoned the business of a ship merchant for the plantation. George Blow married Eliza Waller, a daughter
. Legislature. He was a personal friend of Stephen A. Douglas and served as a Douglas elector. Whenever Mr. Douglas visited Nor- folk he was a guest of Judge Blow. He was elected a delegate to the Constitutional Conven- tion, and served a period of 15 years on the Circuit Bench. For many years he was a part- ner of John Goode, and retired from practice at an advanced age. He was a fine speaker and writer. He died in 1893. at the age of So years. He was lieutenant colonel of the List Regiment, Virginia Infantry, at Sewell's Point. He married Elizabeth Allmand, a daughter of Albert Allmand, and they became the parents of the following children : Allmand A .. a min- ing engineer of Denver, Colorado, who mar- ried Miss Goodell, of that city ; George P., who served in the United States Navy many years. was an officer on the "Maine," when that battle- ship was blown up, married Adele Matthewson. of LaSalle, Illinois, and is now living a retired life in Chicago; Maggie, wife of Warren G. El- liott, who is president of the Atantic Coast Line system; Emma C., wife of Arthur C. Freeman : Eliza W., wife of M. S. Atkinson, of Baltimore, Maryland: Lulu, who married Will- iam B. Page; Jennie, who married E. Hoff; and Atala, wife of Lewis Noble. About 1857 Mrs. Elizabeth Allmand gave her daughter. the wife of Judge Blow. a large lot adjoining his residence on Boush street, and here they caused to be erected a magnificent four-story. brick residence, which is now owned by his daughter. Mrs. Arthur C. Freeman.
Arthur C. Freeman and his wife have three : children, as follows : Emma B .. wife of Lieut. Allen M. Cook, U. S. Navy: Elizabeth All-
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mand; and Arthur C .. Jr., a civil engineer. The subject of this sketch served as a justice of the peace several years. He is a member of the Board of Trade and Business Men's Associa- tion, of Norfolk, and of Pickett-Buchanan Camp, Confederate Veterans: and belongs to the Masons and Elks.
K TOMEO M. DOZIER .* police sergeant of the Atlantic City Ward police force. was born in Churchville. Virginia. December 11, 1855, and is a son of Cornelius and Eliz- abeth S. (Dennis) Dozier. Cornelius Dozier served in the Confederate War. and was killed in the battle of Malvern Hill, June 2, 1862. His wife then removed to Norfolk. 1
Romeo M. Dozier was reared in Norfolk. When a mere lad he was in the naval service | an honest, upright citizer.
of the government as steward's attendant about 20 months. He then learned the tinsmith's trade under Mr. Watson's instruction. and worked for that gentleman cight years. His next work was as rate keeper at the Elizabeth River ferries, where he continued for five ยท years. He became toll collector for the \t- .. lantic City toll bridge. and after spending seven years there was employed as assistant in the 'city water works department. March 1. 1898. he was elected police sergeant of the force at Atlantic City. This was the first police protec- tion afforded to that ward, the area of which is larger than the city of Norfolk and Brambleton combined. At that time there were but five policemen, but now there are nine regulars. Their names are: Romeo M. Dozier; J. L. Henderson; E. B. Forrest; B. J. Jones; E. Whitehead; A. S. Hunley; B. F. Whitemore; G. L. Marshall; and A. Brown, special. The policemen's pay in ISOS was but $2.00 per day, but Mr. Dozier succeeded in obtaining an increase of 25 cents per day for them. They are prompt, active and efficient. Mr. Dozier served for several years as county constable.
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and was chairman of the local board when he resigned to accept the office of police sergeant.
He has been twice married. His first wife was Miss Margaret Ellen Fentress, a daughter of Ezekiel Fentress, of Princess Anne County. Virginia. She died, aged 31 years, leaving the following children: Susan E. ; Mary E. : Ro- mco M., Jr. : William C .; and an infant son. deceased. Mr. Dozier formed a second union, in this instance with Mattie V. Hill. a daughter of George W. Hill. of Norfolk, and their chil- dren are: Mattie V. : Emmett W. : Nellie M .: George W .: Ruth B .: Luther L .: and Clara L. Three children are deceased, namely : Hor- acc. Charles. L. and an infant son.
Mr. Dozier is a charter member of Atlantic Lodge. No. 51. J. O. O. F., and is also a mem- ! ber of the I. O. R. M., K. O. T. M. and Jr. O. U. A. M. He is well known in Atlantic City and Norfolk, where he is highly estcemed as
OHN H. WATERS,* who has charge of the sewer pump station at the cor- ner of Duke and Ward avenues, A! lantic City Ward, Norfolk, Norfolk County. Virginia, was born in Nor- folk, in 1873. He is a son of Capt. Bray B. Waters, one of Norfolk's oyster raisers and boatmen.
Capt. Bray B. Waters owns and conducts an oyster-boat, having been engaged in that business for many years. He served in the ok! 9th Regiment. Virginia Infantry, during the Confederate War, and was wounded at the battle of Malvern Hill. He served as a pilot on the James River during the war.
John H. Waters, the subject of this sketch. attended the public schools of Norfolk, and as- sisted his father in tonging oysters until he was 19 years old. He then began the study of electricity and worked himself up to the grade of a first-class electrician. In 1898 he was given charge of the pumping station at the
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corner of Duke and Ward avenues, which drains the southwestern part of Ghent and car- ries to Atlantic City. A five horse power mo- tor is used, which is an automatic machine. This motor works but two-thirds of the time in order to do all the work necessary, and is one of the modern improvements put into use to successfully drain Ghent and its lower lan Is. Mr. Waters gives his entire time to this task and is a faithful and conscientious workman. He was married to Vera Pyles, a daughter of John Pyles, of Norfolk.
APT. SELBY AUGUSTUS HAR- NEY,* who is in command of the steamer "Hampton," and in the em- ploy of the Old Dominion Steamship Company, was born in Currituck County, North Carolina, October 30, 1857. He is a son of Thomas Smith and Jermie ( Woodhouse) Harney.
Thomas Smith Harney was born in Cam- den County. North Carolina, and was a mas- ter mariner, sailing on inland waters. He died at the age of 62 years. His wife, who was born in Currituck County. North Carolina. died at the age of 48 years. They had five children, four of whom are now living, namely: Selby Augustus, the subject of this sketch; Capt. George W .; Mrs. Lurania Morgan: and Mrs. Carrie E. Zoeller. William is deceased.
Captain Harney received his mental train- ing in his native county, and in the public schock of Elizabeth City, whither his parents had removed. At the age of 15 years he began steamboating as a mail agent, and followed that occupation for three years. He was in the coast survey service for three years, sail- ing the waters from Maine to the Gulf of Mexico, and up the Mississippi River as far as Vicksburg. He became connected with the Old Dominion Steamship Company October 30, 1882, and has remained in the service of that company up to the present time. He was
promoted to be a master at the age of 21 years. and has had command of the following ves- sels : "Enterprise," "Luray." "Hampton Roads." "Nantasket." and "Hampton," of which he became captain in April, 19or,
Captain Harney married Mamie MI. South- all, who was born in Smithfield. Virginia, and is a daughter of T. H. Southall, who represents an old family of Virginia. The Captain and his wife have two children. namely: Cather- ine Moore and Sally Southall. Captain Har- ney is a member of the following fraternal or- ganizations: A. F. & A. M. : K. of P. : B. P. O. E. ; Roval Arcaninn : Knights of the Mystic Chain ; Old Dominion Benevolent Association ; and a social club at Hampton, called "Pow- hatan.'
Captain Harney makes his home in Hamp- ton, where he has a host of well-wishing friends. His record as a captain is excellent. and he is held in high esteem by his employers and those who are beneath him in rank.
ILLIS A. JENKINS,* a well-known educator of Portsmouth. Virginia. is principal of the Portsmouth High School and supervisor of the schools of the second district of the city. He was born at Portsmouth, Septen- ber 24. 1860, and comes of a prominent family of Norfolk County. Hle is a son of John S. Jenkins, and a grandson of Jethro A. Jenkins. a native of Portsmouth, and one of the incer- porators of what is now the Seaboard Air Line Railway, with which he was identified until its first reorganization.
John S. Jenkins was born at Portsmouth and was graduated from the law department of the University of Virginia. He engaged in the practice of law, first as a member of the firni of Stubb & Jenkins, and later alone. Fle was a Union man in principle, and wrote articies against secession. Thus he remained until Vir- ginia seceded, and then he went with his State.
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He was a member of the 4th Regiment, Vir- year, and then for the following year soll bit- ters, etc., for Hodgeman, Spencer & Company. He next returned to the institution conducted by his mother, and taught for a few months. He was engaged in the real estate and insur- ance business with John L. Watson about one year. In October. 1887, John W. Young. prin- cipal of the fourth district school, at Ports- mouth, died and Mr. Jenkins was elected as his successor, taking charge in December. 1887. In September, 1888, he was elected to his pres- , ent position as principal of the Portsmouth High School, and supervisor of the second dis- ginia Infantry, and was killed in Pickett's charge at Gettysburg, being one of those to cross the stone wall. He held the rank of ad- jutant and was 31 years of age when he died. He married Miss Hargrove, a daughter of W. W. Hargrove, who operated a stage line between Portsmouth and Suffolk, his home be- ing at Hargrove's Tavern, Poplar Grove. Mr. Hargrove was in the Mexican War. and died soon after its close. As a result of their union Mr. and Mrs. Jenkins had two sons, Willis A. and John S .. who was born July 9. 1862, and is a member of the law firm of Boone & Jen- : trict schools. He has also been very active in kins, of Norfolk. At the close of the Con- i normal school work. For two years he was an federate War, Mrs. Jenkins opened the Ports- instructor, appointed by the State Board ri mouth Seminary for Young Ladies, which she ' Education and for the past 10 years he has conducted for a period of 30 years. It was a | been associate manager of the Virginia Sum- well-conducted institution, and the average at- mer School of Methods, together with E. C. : Glass, superintendent of the Lynchburg (Vir- ginia) school. He is a member of the board of directors of the Portsmouth Business Men's Association. tendance was from So to 90 pupils. Mrs. Jenkin's maintained this seminary until the early "nineties," when it was turned over to Miss Bain, who sold it to Miss Holladay. It is not now in operation. Mrs. Jenkins has al- Mr. Jenkins was united in marriage with Miss Dews, who was born in Portsmouth, and is a daughter of Duras C. Dews, and they have had five children. namely: Herndon: Marga- ret V .; Willis A., Jr., deceased: Julius Dews : and Winbourne. Mr. Jenkins is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. ways been a woman of affairs, and has taken a deep interest in educational matters. She has been president of the United Daughters of Confederacy, and is president of the Ports- mouth Students' Club. She is broad-minded and well educated, and has traveled extensively in Europe.
Willis A. Jenkins attended his mother's school until he was 14 years of age, and then entered Phillips' Military Academy, which was conducted by C. T. Phillips, now clerk of the court. He remained in that institution two years and then, in 1876, went to William and Mary College, from which he was graduated with the degree of Bachelor of Philosophy in 1878, at the age of 18 years: he is one of the youngest graduates of that institution. lui
his mother. for several years, and then be- came assistant bookkeeper for Hymans & Dewey. He traveled in the South for one!
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H LBERT STAHL* is a gentleman who needs no introduction to the citizens of Norfolk County. His record of public service as a member of the City Council of Norfolk, and his two thriving business houses in that city, have brought him prominently before the public as a man worthy of the highest respect and es- 1890 he took the degree of Bachelor of Arts. |teem. He is a practical decorator and dealer After 1878 he was engaged in teaching, with ; in wall paper, at No. 2533 Church street. and
also at No. 102 Granby street.
Mr. Stahl was born in Sandusky, Ohio. July 19, 1857. His parents moved to Balti-
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more, Maryland, shortly after the Confederate War and there he was reared and educated. He learned the art of decorating in March, 1873, and since then has been engaged in that line of business. He has traveled extensively throughout the country, principally visiting the larger cities, where he followed his profes- si n. He located in Norfolk. Virginia, in 1885 and engaged in the wall paper and decor- ating business. Beginning in a small and Un- pretentious manner. his business has grown year by year until his establishment is now un- rivaled in the city. Of his two places the one at No. 253 Church street was first started, and car- ries a larger and more general stock than the other. The business at No. 102 Granby street is new, and'very exclusive in the stock carried, which is a superb line of the latest and newest desigus in foreign and domestic paper hang- ings, As a practical decorator Mr. Stahl is considered one of the best in the South, and specimens of his work may be found in the At- lantic Hotel, the Marine Bank and in many of the private residences in Norfolk.
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