USA > Virginia > City of Norfolk > City of Norfolk > History of Norfolk County, Virginia and representative citizens, V.2 > Part 6
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Colonel Waddy, during his official career, has displayed intelligence, zeal and fidelity to trust in the discharge of his duties, and has
gained the highest esteem and respect of the community. Naturally of a courteous and pro- gressive disposition, he has had constantly as his aim the pleasure and accommodation of the patrons of the office. Fraternally he is prom- inent in the affairs of Pocahontas Council, No. 493, Royal Arcanum, in which he has filled all the chairs and is at the present time past regent. In politics he is a stanch Republican. His por- trait is presented on a preceding page.
B ASCOM SYKES, who is a native of Norfolk County, Virginia, was born in 1857. He comes from one of the old families of Norfolk County, whose members have been identified with the growth and development of this con- munity for more than a century.
Mr. Sykes is, at present, acting in the ca- pacity of city engineer of Portsmouth, and was formerly resident engineer of the Norfolk & Carolina Railroad Company. He is a gentle- man of recognized ability in his profession. and is one of the substantial citizens of Ports- mouth.
SAAC T. VAN PATTEN, who is sec- retary of the Business. Men's Associ- ation of Portsmouth, Norfolk County, Virginia, was born in Washington, D. C. He received his scholastic train- ing in that city and in Gettysburg, Pennsyl- vania, where his family resided some years.
Mr. Van Patten was 26 years old when he removed to Portsmouth. He entered the government service at Portsmouth, in Janu- ary, 1876, accepting a position in the pay de- partment of the Norfolk Navy Yard. He con- tinued working in that department for 22 years. He spent one year at the naval station at Key West. He resigned his position in the pay department of the Navy Yard to accept
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the secretaryship of the Business Men's Asso- ciation of Portsmouth. He has full charge of the correspondence of that organization, and reports to the board of directors regularly.
The Business Men's Association was in- corporated in 1901, with T. J. Wool as presi- dent; John H. Downing, treasurer, and Isaac T. Van Patten, secretary. The vice-president; are: Alexander B. Butt, E. L. Dashiell, A. H. Lindsay, Jr., G. Hatton and John L. Watson. The board of directors is composed of the fol- lowing: Franklin D. Gill, Willis A. Jenkins, Charles G. Hume, Frank Lindsay, John C. Emmerson, E. L. Lash, P. C. Trugien, O. L. Williams, B. F. Hofheimer, M. P. Claud and R. S. Mackan. Mr. Van Patten is a man of splendid business ability, possessing sound judgment and keen perception. He is one of the most influential citizens of Portsmouth, is highly respected for his good qualities, and stands high in the community.
Mr. Van Patten married a daughter of WV. A. Smith, who was a merchandise broker for many years. He was also a member of the City Council of Norfolk; he is now deceased. Four children have blessed the union of Mr. and Mrs. Van Patten, namely: Ellsworth P., who was appointed by the Secretary of the Navy when but 17 years old, to the drafting room at the Navy Yard, and placed under Mr. Hart; Margaret H. ; Isaac T., Jr .; and Alfred F. The Van Pattens reside at Cottage Place.
Mr. Van Patten is a member of the Royal Arcanum, Heptasophs, and National Union. He attends the Presbyterian Church.
HARLES C. COBB. of the firm of Cobb Brothers & Company, cotton brokers, at No. 245 Main street. Norfolk, Norfolk County, Virginia, was born in North Carolina. Decem- ber 16, 1864. He is a son of James C. and Mary (Bell) Cobb, both of whom were na- tives of North Carolina. James C. Cobb is a
farmer and merchant of North Carolina; he is 77 years old. His wife died at the age of 54 years. Of II children born to this union, seven reached maturity.
Charles C. Cobb, whose name heads this sketch, attended school at La Grange and Kings Mountain, North Carolina. After fin- ishing school he kept books for a firm for two years, after which he removed to Norfolk, in 1888. He engaged in the cotton business as clerk for Lewis, Hilliard & Company, and re- mained in their employ one year. He then went into business under the firm name of Cobb Brothers & Gillum. This partnership existed for three years, when Mr. Gillum with- drew. Since that time the firm name has read Cobb Brothers & Company. They buy and sell. cotton, grain, provisions, bonds and stocks, either for cash or on a margin. They conduct a very large business, which is constantly on the increase.
Mr. Cobb married Maud Fulcher, a na- tive of Wilson. North Carolina, and a daugh- ter of L. H. Fulcher, also a native of that state. This marriage occurred in July. 1898, and one child,-Mareu,-has blessed their union. The family are members of the Ep- worth Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Cobb is a Mason and a member of the Royal Ar- canum. He is a man of splendid business abil- ity and high character, and is well known and greatly respected in Norfolk.
OHN W. HAPPER. The city of Portsmouth claims many able lawyers among her citizens, but none more able than John W. Happer, of the law- firm of Edwards & Happer. He was born in Norfolk County, Virginia, and was between one and two years of age when his parents moved to the city of Norfolk. His father, George D. Happer, was engaged in farming, and later was interested in the tim- ber business in this county. He represented
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Norfolk County in the State Legislature for a number of terms. His wife, whose inaiden name was Eliza A. White, was a native of Nor- folk County. Her father. John White, was one of Virginia's sons. He was also born in Norfolk County. Urto this worthy couple were born nine children. Of these three are now living, namely: Mirs. Fannie H., widow of John F. Stewart, of Suffolk, Virginia ; Mrs. A. O. Leigh, of Portsmouth, widow of Dr. James W. Leigh, of Norfolk, Virginia; and John W., who was the youngest of the family. Mrs. Happer was a devout member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. South. When Norfolk was evacuated, during the war. John W. Happer, with his mother and sister, ran the blockade and went to North Carolina, the father being already within the Confederate lines. They located at Weldon, North Caro- lina.
John W. Happer attended the public schools of Weldon, North Carolina, then went to Halifax, and next, to Columbia, both in Tyrrell County, North Carolina, where he at- tended the common schools until 1870. He then returned to Norfolk and attended the school of Prof. N. B. Webster, where at the same time he served as instructor in mathe- matics. In September, 1872, he attended the University of Virginia, studied Latin, law and medical jurisprudence, and completed the course in the two last named branches. He was admitted to the bar at Norfolk, but soon removed to: Portsmouth, which city has since been his home. For the past 20 years he has been engaged in the practice of law, in part- nership with Mr. Edwards, and for a period of from 12 to 15 years was city attorney of Ports- mouth, being succeeded by Charles G. Hume, the present incumbent.
Fraternally Mr. Happer is a member of Portsmouth Lodge, No. 82, Benevolent & Pro- tective Order of Elks ; Atlantic Lodge, No. 24. Knights of Pythias : Royal Arcanum ; and Na- tional Union. He has been chancellor in the lodge of tlie Kniglits of Pythiias, and as an Elk
has passed through the four chairs, -- he rep- resented the lodge at the annual reunion held at New Orleans, Louisiana. December 6. 1883, he was united in marriage with Rosa Lee Edwards, and they have three children .--- John W., Jr., G. Douglas and Rosa Lee.
APT. LLOYD WASHINGTON LAMBERT is a sailing-master and ship-owner, trading between Norfolk and New York and other ports. He was born at Lambert's Point, Nor- folk County, Virginia, and is a son of John Holt Lambert, Jr.
John Holt Lambert, Sr., the grandfather of our subject, came to this country from Eng- land, and settled at "Hornet's Point," which place was afterward given the name of Lam- bert's Point. He owned a large number of slaves, as did his son, the father of the gentle- man whose name opens these lines. John Holt Lambert, Jr., was born in ISIo, and was en- gaged in oyster planting and farming until 1882. He then retired from active business duties, and his death occurred 10 years later, at the age of 82 years. He married Ann Eliza Cooper, who was born at Lambert's Point, Oc- tober 17, 1827. Her father was William Cooper, a circuit preacher of the Christian Church. John Holt Lambert, Jr., and his wife had eight children, namely: William John, Edward James and Mary Elizabeth, deceased; Eleazer Orwell, who is engaged in the whole- sale liquor business in Norfolk; Lula M., who married Charles A. Morris, a merchant of Norfolk; Lloyd Washington, the subject of this sketch; and Archie Stephens and Tiberius Darling, both merchants.
Captain Lambert holds the championship medal of the world for quail shooting. A $1,000 challenge is now offered by his friends in Norfolk to all competitors. Captain Lam- bert now has a record of killing 184 quail, from sunrise to sunset.
THOMAS R. BALLENTINE.
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Captain Lambert married Rhoda Bell Dun- ston, a daughter of Augustin Dunston. She is one of three children, the others being Leur ard James ; and Lula Virginia, who makes her home with her sister. The Captain and his wife are blessed with the following children : Essie Viola; Lottie Washington; Blanche Louise : Ruby Holt ; Gladys Rose ; Lloyd Wash- ington ; and Elizabeth Warren.
Captain Lambert is a Democrat in politics. He is an attendant of the Methodist Church. He is well and favorably known to every citi- zen of Lambert's Point. who respect and ad- mire him for his many admirable traits of char- acter. Captain Lambert has many friends throughout Norfolk County.
ORNELIUS F. ROBINSON, a suc- cessful truck-farmer of Norfolk County, Virginia, was born and reared on his present farm. The date of his birth was October 29. 1866. His father, William Robinson, son of Henry Robinson, was also a farmer by occu- pation, and lived to be 47 years old. William Robinson married Sarah Cooper, who was born in 1832. She had five children, namely : Martha J., of Lambert's Point; Amanda S., deceased ; W. J. and H. J .. both truck-farmers ; and Cornelius F., the subject of this sketch.
Cornelius F. Robinson received his scho- lastic training at Lambert's Point, where he spent all of his life. He began farming at a very early age, and has met with much success in that vocation. He is well known as one of the best truckers in that vicinity, and finds a ready market for all the products of his land. Possessed of. much energy and thrift. he has worked unceasingly. and has just cause to feel proud of his success.
Franklin, aged four years. Mr. Robinson is a Democrat in politics. Religiously, he belongs to thie Methodist Church.
THOMAS R. BALLENTINE, who is well known to the citizens of Norfolk Virginia. by reason of his connection with various public enterprises and charitable institutions, owns and con- ducts the largest truck farm in Norfolk Coun- ty. He was born in Currituck County, North Carolina, in 1820.
Mr. Ballentine first came to Norfolk Coun- ty. Virginia. in 1849, locating on a farin about 18 miles froin the city of Norfolk on what is known as Butt's Road. There he remained for seven years and then. in 1855. sold his farm. During 1856 and 1857 he was agent for the Norfolk County Ferries, after which he again moved to the country and purchased a farm at Hickory Ground. Three years later he dis- posed of this property and bought another farm near by, where he resided from January, 1861. until November. 1867. He then rented the last named place and moved to the city of Norfolk where he has since made his home. He purchased a large truck farm one and a half miles east of the city, which he has since con- ducted, giving it a personal supervision. He devotes his entire time to this business, mak- ing two trips daily to the farm. The import- ance of the Norfolk section as a trucking field is amply evidenced by the statistics of the Ag- ricultural Department and the figures of ship- ments on railroads and steamships, which clas- sify it as one of the greatest fields in this in- dustry in the United States. The land is a rich sandy loam, quickly responsive to fertil- ization and cultivation. and yields abundantly. Mr. Ballentine has engaged in trucking on an extensive scale and has been eminently success- ful, marketing his products in New York, Bos-
Cornelius F. Robinson was married in 1891 to Nettie F. Vanderberry, a daughter of Thomas Vanderberry, and has two children,- Flossie Estelle. aged eight years; and Hunter . ton, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington.
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His farm is the largest in the county under one management. In the city he has built the Ballentine Building, the Arcade Market, and numerous other structures. He is a director in the Norfolk National Bank.and the Norfolk Bank for Savings and Trusts, and has held stock in the old Exchange Bank.
Mr. Ballentine was first joined in marriage with Mary F. Hughes, who was born in Curri- tuck County, North Carolina, and died in Jan- uary, 1883. He formed a marital union in 1885, with Annie E. Baxter, of Currituck County, North Carolina. In 1894 he built the Mary F. Ballentine Home for the Aged, which has since been maintained at his expense. This work of charity was done in accordance with the idea and wishes of his deceased wife. The building was dedicated and deeded to a board of trustees, in 1894. It is located on Park ave- nue in Brambleton Ward, Norfolk, and is fur- ther mentioned in Chapter XIV. A view of the home is shown on Page 254. Mr. Ballen- tine's early days were spent in learning the trade of a mechanic, which he followed but a short time, as he decided to take up a work in which he could manifest more independence. He is a man of admirable character, charitable in disposition and ever ready to lend a helping hand to one who has not been so successful as himself. A portrait of Mr. Ballentine accom- panies this sketch, being presented on a pre- ceding page.
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R TEV. AUSTIN EVERETT OWEN, a distinguished citizen of Berkley, Vir- ginia, is too well known to need an introduction to the citizens of Norfolk County. His record as pastor of the Court Street Baptist Church of Portsmouth, and Grace Baptist Church of Berkley, extend- ing over a period of more than 30 years. is re- plete with good deeds and honest endeavors to raise the moral standard of his charges. He is also president of Ryland Institute, a school
for young ladies, and in this capacity has also been successful. He has not only succeeded in imparting knowledge to them from books, but by the strength of his personality and the example of a well-spent life, has influenced them to lives of good purpose.
Rev. Mr. Owen was born in Powhatan County, Virginia, September 27, 1837, and is a son of Richard Johnson Owen, and grandson of Elisha Owen, who was a son of William Owen. Elisha Owen participated in the battle of Yorktown during the Revolutionary War. Richard Johnson Owen was born in 1797, in Prince Edward (now Appomattox) County, Virginia, and died in 1892, at the remarkable age of 95 years. He was a carpenter by trade, and also followed farming on a small scale. He was a member of the Baptist Church, and was baptized in his 80th year by the subject of this sketch. He was always a Democrat, al- though he was a Union man at the outbreak of the Intersectional War. He was exempt from military service on account of his age. He was joined in marriage with Narcissa Langsdon, a daughter of Benjamin and Nancy ( McGruder) Langsdon, natives of Powhatan County, Vir- ginia.
The Langsdons, who were Huguenots, came to the United States from France, as ear- ly as 1685. They became extensive land- owners, and had many slaves, but under the influence of the Wesley Revivals they freed all their slaves. The Huguenot Springs are lo- cated on the former holdings of the family. Narcissa ( Langsdon) Owen died in 1887. She was a member of the M. E. Church. As a re- sult of her union with Mr. Owen she gave birth to four children, as follows: William Thomas, born in 1829, who served in Wise's Brigade and was killed at Drewry's Bluff; Julia Ann Johnson, born in 1833, who married Richard F. Vest, a trader, and is now living at Powhatan, Virginia; Virginia E., born in 1835, who married John R. Toney, a carpenter and contractor, and died in 1875: and Austin Everett, the subject of this sketch.
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Austin Everett Owen spent four and a half years in attendance at Richmond College, after which he entered the ministry of the Baptist Church, his first charge being in Brunswick County, Virginia. He located in Portsmouth, Virginia, in 1871, and became pastor of the Court Street Baptist Church, where he re- mained 271/2 years. He left that church on the last day of Jammiary, 1898, and. assumed the duties of pastor of Grace Baptist Church, of Berkley, on the Ist day of February, 1898. He was ordained in 1861, and has never been without a pastorate a day since that time. He was selected president of the Ryland Institute, at Berkley, in 1897, and entered upon the duties of that office in 1898. This institution was organized in Suffolk, Virginia, in 1892, and was finally removed to Berkley. It is lo- cated in the old .Marine Hospital, built several years after the Revolutionary War, and stands like a fort, with its solid walls two feet in thickness. Mr. Owen is a trustee of Richmond College; he was moderator of the Portsmouth Baptist Association four years, and was presi- dent of the General Association two years .- the highest honor in the church. He has been vice-president of the Foreign Mission Board of Virginia of the Foreign Mission Convention : and president of the Foreign Mission Board of the General Association of Virginia, located at Norfolk. He has been highly honored by the church. He received the degree of D. D. from Baylor University of Texas about twenty years ago. He is on the lecture platform, to a considerable extent, treating his subjects both in a humorous and instructive manner. It has often been remarked by good critics that he could attain the highest degree of success as a humorous lecturer. Rev. Mr. Owen's char- acter is above reproach, and the comment was made, upon his leaving the Portsmouth pas- torate, that no man or woman in the town could say they ever knew of him doing a mean act.
December 6, 1866, Rev. Austin Everett Owen was. united in wedlock with Mary Hen- rietta Hall, a daughter of Clement and Louise
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( Andrews) Hall. Miss Hall was born in Brunswick County, Virginia, in 1842. As a result of this union Mr. and Mrs. Owen had IO children, namely: Minnie Etta; Nettie Blanche; Sarah Hall ; Mary B. ; Austin E., Jr .; Louise Andrews; William Russell; Jennie Ethel; Richard Clement; and Myrtie Belle. Minnie Etta, born August 31, 1867, married M. P. Clend, who is in the insurance business in Portsmouth, and resides at Berklley. They have four children, namely : Jesse O .; Reese L .; Eldridge F .; and Hugh Montague. Nettie Blanche, born in 1870, married John Freeman and they reside at Union, North Carolina. Sarah Hall, born in August, 1872. married J. E. Britton, a merchant of North Carolina, and they have three daughters,-Annie, Jennie and Sarah. Mary B. died in infancy. Austin E., Jr., born January 2, 1876, is first bookkeeper for the Bank of Portsmouth. He was united in marriage, August 6, 1901, with Helen Nor- fleet Foote, a daughter of Dr. George A. Foote, of Warrenton, North Carolina. Louise An- drews died in infancy. William Russell is a student in the theological seminary at Chester, Pennsylvania. Jennie Ethel. born in 1883, is living at home. Richard Clement, born in July, 1885, holds a clerical position. Myrtie Belle died in infancy.
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OHN W. BLAASSINGHAM, who is en- gaged in general farming in Norfolk County, Virginia, is a native of Glou- cester County, Virginia, and was born December 10, 1856. He is a son of J. W. Blassingham, who was born in Virginia, where he carried on general farming all his life. He died in his native State. He married Emma Dunston, and they reared the following children: Benjamin F .: George: Mary L .: John W .: James L. ; and Lorena ( Winfield). John W. Blassingham was educated in the private schools of his native town, and lived at home with his parents until 1879. In 1880,
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he removed to Norfolk County, and located on a farm near his present home. In 1892. he bought his home farm of 21 acres, on which lie has since resided. He is engaged in gen- eral farming, and as he had a thorough training in that occupation; having helped his father on the old homestead. he is well fitted to success- fully manage a farm of his own. He is held in high esteem by the rest of the farmers in Norfolk County as a man worthy of the ut- most confidence.
Mr. Blassingham married Virginia Row- land, who was born in Norfolk. December 12, 1866. She is a daughter of J. H. Rowland, a farmer of Norfolk County. Mr. Blassingham and his wife are blessed with four children, . namely : Lindsey ; Virginia : Julia : and Fanny.
The subject of this sketch built the com- fortable eight-room frame house, which stands on his farm in 1892. He is a Democrat in politics. Religiously he is a member of the Christian Church
R OBERT EDWARD BRUCE STEW- ART was born at "Beechwood," Nor- folk County, Virginia, July 20, 1863, and is of Scotch ancestry. He is a son of the late William Charles Stew- art (who died June 29, 1865). a prominent farmer, who bore the rank of lieutenant of State Volunteers during the Mexican War, but whose command was not called into the service. On account of advanced age, he was exempt from military service during the Confederate War, but was imprisoned at Old Point by Gen. B. F. Butler for liis loyalty to the South.
His mother, Catharine Matilda (Garrett) Stewart, is a daughter of the late Henry Gar- rett, a wealthy farmer and lumber merchant, who was for many years superintendent of the Dismal Swamp Canal.
Mr. Stewart was educated at the common schools. Suffolk Military Academy and Vir- ginia Military Institute. After leaving school,
he engaged in farming on his mother's farm at "Beechwood." At an early age, he took quite an active part in politics and was a mem- ber of the Democratic Executive Committee for several years: he was elected to the House of Delegates from Norfolk County in Novem- ber, 1891. In July, 1893. he was appointed by the Secretary of the Navy as clerk to the cap- . tain of the Norfolk Navy Yard; his letter of resignation and the reply of the Governor of Virginia, which follows, is a significant testi- monial of the esteem in which he was held as a member of the legislature, and the character of his work in that body.
PORTSMOUTH, VA., July 10, 1893. HON. P. W. MCKINNEY, Governor of Virginia.
SIR: Having accepted a position under the United States Government, I hereby tender my resignation as a member of the House of Delegates of Virginia.
Very Respectully, R. E. B. STEWART. COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, GOVERNOR'S OFFICE, RICHMOND, VA., July 11, 1893.
HON. R. E. B. STEWART,
Member of the House of Delegates, Norfolk, Va. DEAR SIR :-
Your communication of the 10th instant making a tender of your resignation as a member of the House of Delegates of Virginia has just come to hand.
I am constrained most regretfully to accept your resignation. Virginia has need at all times of the sery- ices of her true and loyal sons, and in view of the vital importance of the measures likely to come up for con- sideration by the next General Assembly, the loss of advocates of tried ability and experience will be deeply felt. I congratulate you personally upon your appo nt- ment to an office under the Government, and hope that you will find the employment both profitable and pleas- ant.
Very truly yours, P. W. MCKINNEY, Governor of Virginia.
Mr. Stewart entered upon the duties of his new position and moved to Portsmouth. to re- side. He was appointed by the Governor on April 25, 1892, a member of the Auxiliary Board of World's Fair Managers, of Virginia. from the 2nd Congressional District. He was appointed clerk of the fire board of the city of Portsmouth in July, 1899 : and was a candidate
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DR. LEROY LEE SAWYER.
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before the Democratic primary, April 25, 1900, for the position of clerk of the courts, but was defeated. He is editor of the Tidewater Maga- cine, started in July, 1901. He is a member of the Sons of the American Revolution. He is a great-grandson of Charles Stewart, second lieutenant of the 15th and Ith Virginia regi- ments, Continental Line, during the American Revolution. He is a grandson of Alexander Stewart, who was a soldier of the War of 1812, and contracted a cold in the service, from which he died.
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