Virginia and Virginians eminent Virginians, executives of the colony of Virginia from Sir Thomas Smyth to Lord Dunmore. Executives of the state of Virginia, from Patrick Henry to Fitzhugh Lee. Sketches of Gens. Ambrose Powel Hill, Robert E. Lee, Thos. Jonathan Jackson, Commodore Maury |
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NORFOLK COUNTY.
WILLIAM F. ALLEN.
William F., son of William V. and Laura E. Allen, both now deceased,
was born and educated in Norfolk, Virginia. In that city, December 6,
1854, he married Margaret C., daughter of John T. and Margaret E.
Griffin, formerly of Norfolk, both now deceased. The children of Mr.
and Mrs. Allen were born in the order named. William H., Walter F.,
James E., Joseph B., Leonora V., Cornelia J., Walter F., Claudia M.
The two oldest sons are now deceased.
For five years after leaving school Mr. Allen served as a sail maker;
then went into that business for himself, and followed it until 1856.
From 1856 to 1861 he was in the retail grocery business, and since the
last-named year he has been in his present business, wholesale grocer.
He is now the senior wholesale groceryman in the city of Norfolk, head
of the firm of W. F. Allen & Co.
Mr. Allen has served sixteen years as a member of the city council of
Norfolk; as superintendent of the Democratic executive committee, as
captain of the volunteer fire department. He is a member of the
Masonic fraternity and of the I. O. O. F.
HON. RICHARD G. BANKS,
Born at Hampton, Virginia, on September 3, 1840, is a son of Dr. R.
G. Banks, who was born in Essex county, Virginia, and who died in
1870, aged sixty-eight years. His mother, who died in 1845, was,
before marriage, Matilda Dewees, of Baltimore, Maryland. His wife,
whom he married in Goochland county, Virginia, on January 15, 1863,
was Nannie M. Argyle of that county.
Mr. Banks attended the schools of his native town, then took a course
at the Columbian College, and after that taught school one year in
Alabama. He entered the Confederate States Army in 1861, as captain
and quartermaster of the 50th Virginia Infantry, serving in
Floyd's brigade until that general was suspended, after the fall of Fort
Donelson. He was then commissioned major, on the staff of General
Loring, and detached as depot quartermaster at Selma, Alabama, so
serving until near the close of the war. After returning home he
engaged in merchandizing and farming until, in 1879, he was appointed
United States Inspector of Customs at Norfolk, in which capacity he
served ably until 1883. In 1883 he was elected to the Virginia legislature,
but unseated. In February, 1884, he was again elected to the
legislature, and served out the term. He was then made superintendent
of the public schools of Norfolk, serving until the election of Governor
Lee. In 1887 he was elected mayor of the city of Norfolk, an office he is
still (1888) filling.
JAMES E. BARRY.
James E. Barry was born in Savannah, Georgia, on October 14, 1823.
His mother, whose maiden name was Elizabeth A. Ahern, died of yellow
fever, in Norfolk in 1824. His father was James Barry, son of John
Barry, who died December 20, 1871, aged ninety-eight years, and whose
father was also named James Barry.
James E. attended school in Norfolk, and in 1855 succeeded his father
in the crockery business in that city, which he carried on until the war.
In April, 1861, he entered the Confederate States Army as first lieutenant
of the Kekill battery, with which he served till the close of the war,
commanding the battery through most of the service. After the
close of the war, he returned to Norfolk, and, having a large estate,
devoted his time to its improvement, which has been his chief occupation
ever since. He has served in the council of the city of Norfolk,
and is also president of the Bank of Commerce, Norfolk, which position
he has filled since 1878.
Mr. Barry married in Norfolk, May 19, 1852, Mary M. Moran, who
was born in County Wexford, Ireland, the daughter of Nicholas and
Margaret (Cheevers) Moran, both now deceased. Their children are
three sons: Thomas Moran, James E., jr., and Robt. Emmett.
Thomas M. married, in 1878, Virginia Lovett, of Norfolk, and they
have four children: J. C. M., Mary R., James E. and F. J. R. Barry.
CEALY BILLUPS
Is descended from one of the three Billups brothers who emigrated from
Wales to the Virginia colony at an early date, and settled in that
section of Mathews county which they called Millford Haven. He is a
son of John E. Billups of Mathews county, whose wife was Mary Ann
Borum and was born in that county, on February 12, 1839.
He married in Norfolk, December 4, 1860, Lizzie A. Summers, of that
city, and the record of their children is: Amanda, now married, living
at Max Meadows, Virginia; George C., living in Norfolk; Eulalie, died
in April, 1879, aged fourteen years; Bessie, died in 1869, aged nine
months; Bessie the second, Cecil and Annie living at home.
Mrs. Billups is a daughter of E. T. Summers, who came to this
country from Scotland with his father, when about one year old, and
who was mayor of Norfolk, 1855, serving one term, and was many
terms a justice of the peace. Her mother was of Scotch-Irish descent.
Mr. Billups was educated in Mathews county. In 1856 he came to
Norfolk, and clerked for the late Seth March until 1858. In that year,
he, with Thomas P. Warren, bought out Mr. March and continued the
business until the war. They were closed after the first year of the war,
until it was ended. In 1865 they resumed business, but a few months
later Mr. Billups withdrew from the firm, and started alone in his
present business, dealer in agricultural implements, iron, steel, etc.
He was in service in the 12th Virginia regiment, C. S. A., in 1861, but
on account of continued ill health was forced to put a substitute in the
field, after the first year. He has been two terms a member of the city
but declined to serve. He has also declined to accept other offices of
trust and honor tendered by the citizens of Norfolk.
JUDGE GEORGE BLOW,
A resident of Norfolk, Virginia, was born in the county of Sussex, and
was the third son of George Blow and Eliza Waller, daughter of Robert
Hale Waller, of Williamsburg, Virginia.
Judge Blow received his early education at the private school of
George Halson, in the city of Norfolk, and from thence was sent to the
college of "William and Mary," where he graduated, and subsequently
to the University of Virginia, taking the law course under Prof. Davis.
Whilst engaged in the practice of law in San Antonio, a city in the
then Republic of Texas, he was elected a member of Congress for the
county of Bexar, and served through the session of 1840.
In consequence of the condition of the country, growing out of difficulties
with Mexico, preceding annexation, he returned to Virginia in
1841, and resumed the practice of his profession in the city of Norfolk.
In 1860 he was elected a member of the convention called to consider
and define the course of the State in the then existing troubles. He
was elected as a member of the Union party, and pledged to support
all honorable measures for its preservation, save by the means of armed
coercion.
This contingency arose when the proclamation of President Lincoln
called upon Virginia for her quota of troops to enforce the laws and
crush out the rebellion.
Judge Blow, together with many other members of the convention
similarly pledged, considered that an unnecessary and unconstitutional
war was about to be invoked, and that, in a question of arms, the place
of Virginia should be with her southern brethren, and he voted for and
signed the Ordinance of Secession.
In 1861 he joined the army of Virginia as lieutenant-colonel of the
41st regiment, and served as such until its reorganization in 1862.
In 1870 he was elected by the legislature judge of the 1st judicial
circuit of Virginia, in which position he served for two terms, or sixteen
years, and then resumed the practice of his profession.
JUDGE DAVID TUCKER BROOKE.
Judge Brooke was born in the city of Richmond, Virginia, on April
28, 1852. He is a son of Henry Laurence Brooke, who was born in Stafford
county, Virginia, and who died in March, 1873, aged sixty-six
years. His mother was Virginia Tucker Brooke, born in Jefferson
St. George T. Brooke and Frank J. Brooke, served in the late war,
C. S. A., and the first-named was severely wounded at Haws Shop.
Judge Brooke attended the Loudoun school at Middleburg, Virginia,
Virginius Dabney principal, until 1870, then the University of Virginia,
sessions of 1870 and 1871; taught school in Stafford county,
Jefferson county, and at Norfolk nine years, studied law under the late
Tazewell Taylor in Norfolk, was admitted to the Bar in 1874, and practiced
in Norfolk city until elected to the Bench. He is present judge of
corporation court, Norfolk city, having been elected to fill vacancy
in January, 1884, and re-elected for another term in 1887.
He married in Norfolk, April 7, 1880, Lucy Borland Higgins, of that
city. Their children are named Lucy Drummond, Eloise Minor, Henry
Laurence and Mary Walton. Mrs. Brooke is a daughter of Ignatius
Higgins, who was born in Norfolk, and died there in 1855 of yellow
fever, aged thirty-five years. Her mother, whose maiden name was
Jane Drummond, was born in Norfolk, and died in 1869.
FRANCIS DE CORDY,
Who has been an honored resident of Norfolk since 1835, was born in
New York City, December 20, 1814. His father was Thomas David
De Cordy, his mother Anne Brooks, daughter of Francis Brooks of
Norfolk, Virginia, and Jane Selque of Philadelphia. His ancestors were
Huguenots, religious refugees from France, who came to the colony
of New York in 1685.
In New York City, August, 1837, Francis De Cordy married Mary G.
Schuyler, born in that city, in August, 1819. She was the daughter of
Peter Schuyler, whose father was Peter Schuyler of the renowned
Knickerbocker family. Her mother was Eliza White, daughter of the
Rev. White, a Presbyterian clergyman of New York.
The record of the children of Mr. and Mrs. De Cordy is: Robert C.,
died in infancy, Robert C., 2d, volunteer engineer, United States service,
on flag ship "Philadelphia," died in 1863, Francis, jr., deceased, Victor
C. and Gordon, Frances G. and Rosalie. Gordon married Catharine
Putnam, of Rochester, New York, a daughter of Israel H. Putnam, who
was a grandson of Israel Putnam of Revolutionary fame.
After Mr. De Cordy came to Norfolk in 1835 he engaged in business
as master ship joiner, which occupation he followed until 1864. Since
that date he has been a merchant, dealer in coal, at 11 William street.
He was mayor of the city of Norfolk, 1870-2.
HON. GRIFFIN FAUNTLEROY EDWARDS
The ancestry of the subject of this sketch is thus traced: In early
colonial days Dr. Richard Edwards came from London to Virginia.
His son Thomas married Sarah Ingram. Their son Thomas married
Elizabeth Fauntleroy. Their son Griffin married Priscella Lee. Their
son, LeRoy Griffin Edwards, born in Northumberland county, Virginia,
in 1804, died in Norfolk county, in August, 1866, married Fannie W.,
daughter of John Robins, of Norfolk county, Virginia, whose father was
of Gloucester county. Their son, Griffin Fauntleroy Edwards, was born
at Deep Creek, Norfolk county, Virginia, September 16, 1843.
He went to school in the village of Deep Creek until twelve years of
age, then to the Union Male Academy, at Harrellsville, North Carolina,
for two and a half years, then one year to Mr. C. Morris, at Norfolk. In
January, 1861, he entered Emory and Henry College, in Washington
county, Virginia. In June 1861, the entire body of students withdrew
from the college to enter the army, and he joined Company E, 61st Virginia
regiment; was detailed clerk to Gen. H. B. Davidson, commanding
post at Staunton, Virginia. In November, 1863, he rejoined his regiment,
and was appointed sergeant-major, in the latter part of 1864
was appointed regimental adjutant. Serving with the regiment in
Mahone's division, he received a gunshot wound through right shoulder
near Farmville, Virginia, April 7, 1865. He had two brothers in service,
John Robins Edwards, first lieutenant Company A, 3d Virginia
regiment, Pickett's division, and LeRoy Bushrod Edwards, a private in
the same company. Both served until made prisoners in battle of Five
Forks, April, 1865; they were held prisoners until after the close of the
war.
Returning to his home, Griffin Fauntleroy Edwards qualified as
deputy for his father, who was then the clerk of the county and circuit
courts of Norfolk county. After his father's death in August, 1866, he
was elected to the office (in November, 1866) and served until removed
March 19, 1869, by the military governor of Virginia, for refusal to
take the iron-clad oath. In 1870 Mr. Edwards was appointed commissioner
of accounts for the city of Portsmouth, which office he has ably
filled ever since. In the sessions of 1879-80 and 1880-81 he was a member
of the Virginia legislature. In 1882-3-4-5-6 was superintendent of
the public schools of Portsmouth. While clerk of courts, Mr. Edwards
studied law, and he has been continuously in practice since 1869, except
when public official duties prevented.
He married at Portsmouth, October 6, 1869, Isabel Bilisoly, who
was born in Portsmouth. They have one son, J. Griffin, and have
buried one son, Carl, died May 22, 1879. Mrs. Edwards is the
on the Island of Corsica. Her mother is Eliza, daughter of John Benson,
Esq.
CHARLES GRICE ELLIOTT,
A resident and honored citizen of Norfolk since 1867, was born in North
Carolina, at Elizabeth City, March 8, 1840. His father, who died May
20, 1852, at age of thirty-eight years, was Gilbert, son of Peter Elliott,
of North Carolina. His mother is Sarah A. Elliott, nee Grice, still living
at Oxford, North Carolina. His wife, whom he married at Oxford, North
Carolina, in March, 1867, was born in Franklin county, that State, Jeannette
Tunstall Cooper, daughter of James Crawford Cooper, of Oxford,
and Lucy (Williams) Cooper.
Mr. Elliott went to school in Elizabeth City to Rev. E. M. Forbes, a
Protestant Episcopal Church school. At the age of fourteen years he
began clerking in a mercantile store, at the age of seventeen years was
deputy clerk of the county court, and so served until, at age of twenty-one
years, he entered the Confederate States Army. In 1866 he was a
farmer. From 1867 to 1887 was a merchant at Norfolk, member of the
firm of William W. Gwathmay & Co., cotton factors, and at one time
president of the N. & P. Cotton Exchange. Since 1887 he has been connected
with the railroad that is now the Chowan & Southern, as its
treasurer. He has been a member of the Norfolk common council for
twelve years, and president of the same two years, and is now president
of the Board of Harbor Commissioners of Norfolk and Portsmouth.
He volunteered in 1861, for service in the 17th North Carolina regiment,
C. S. A., and was appointed assistant adjutant-general in Martin's
Brigade, Hoke's Division. He was captured at Roanoke Island, paroled
in two weeks, and served until the close of the war.
THOMAS E. ELLIOTT
Was born in Northampton county, Virginia, August 20, 1834. He
is a son of J. T. and Margaret (Downs) Elliott, both now deceased, and
a grandson of Rev. J. T. Elliott. In Norfolk, December, 1858, he married
Mary Eliza Davis, who was born in Norfolk, the daughter of Miles
Davis, who still lives in Norfolk, now eighty-eight years of age. The
children of the union are six: Alice Louisa, Thomas E., jr., Maggie
Virginia, William, Edna and Rebecca.
Mr. Elliott attended school in his native county until he came to Norfolk
at the age of fourteen years. He was two years in the lumber
business, one year in the commission business, then on January 1,
1850, engaged in his present business, hardware, railroad, steamboat
then was made their head clerk, purchasing supplies and acting as general
manager of their business. He left this position in 1861 to enter
the Confederate States Army, in the Norfolk Artillery Blues, in which he
saw constant and honorable service until made prisoner at the fall of
Petersburg, April, 1865. In that last struggle at Petersburg, he had
the honor of firing the last five rounds the Blues ever fired, after all the
infantry had left. He was sent as prisoner of war to Point Lookout,
and held there until released after the surrender of Generals Lee and
Johnston. Returning to Norfolk, he engaged again in the business he
still follows, establishing the firm of Taylor, Martin & Co. On the retirement
of Mr. Martin the firm name and style became Taylor, Elliott
& Watters. For about twenty years these two firms in succession
carried on one of the largest hardware businesses in the State of Virginia.
Mr. Elliott is now conducting the business in his own name.
MICHAEL GLENNAN.
The subject of this sketch, owner of the Norfolk Virginian, and at
present postmaster of Norfolk, was born at Maynooth, County Kildare,
Ireland. At Norfolk, November 6, 1879, Rev. Fr. Matthew O'Keefe
solemnized the marriage of Michael Glennan and Mary Elizabeth Kevill,
the bride born in Norfolk. The issue of the union is four children: Edward
Kevill, Mary Belle, Michael and Alma.
Mr. Glennan came to Virginia with his father in childhood, and attended
school in Norfolk, then for a time in Brooklyn, New York. On
returning to Norfolk he was, in 1857, employed as mailing clerk in the
office of the Southern Argus, so serving until the outbreak of the war
After that he served for a time as orderly for Gen. W. P. Taliaferro, who
was then in command of the Virginia forces at Norfolk. He was afterwards
refused enlistment in Virginia troops on account of lameness and
youth. In November, 1861, was connected with the quartermaster's
department, at Wilmington, North Carolina, and in 1862 was attached
to the 36th regiment, North Carolina State Troops, as quartermaster's
sergeant. The regiment was stationed along the defences of the Cape
Fear, with headquarters at Fort Anderson. Later the regiment was
stationed at Fort Fisher, where he served as post quartermaster's sergeant,
and at times as acting quartermaster. As such he participated
in the battles of Fort Fisher, and was captured at the fall of the fort,
January, 1865, and imprisoned at Governor's Island, New York Harbor,
until paroled latter part of March, 1865. Reported at Greensboro,
North Carolina, and was there surrendered with General Johnston's
army, April, 1865.
After the war Mr. Glennan taught school in Portsmouth, Virginia,
until January, 1867, when he became connected with the Norfolk Virginian
as its business manager, and of which he afterwards became
owner. He was for several years a member of the State Democratic
Executive Committee, and chairman of the Democratic party of the
2nd Congressional District. He was one of the delegates at large to
the Democratic National Convention in 1880. In 1875 Mr. Glennan
started in the columns of the Virginian the agitation of a national
celebration of the surrender of Lord Cornwallis at Yorktown, and the
erection of the monument in commemoration of the event. The movement
was successful and a magnificent monument now adorns the
historic field of Yorktown. In consideration of his services, Mr. Glennan
was selected by Governor Holliday the commissioner to represent Virginia
at the Centennial celebration. He is now the president of the Irish
Catholic Benevolent Union of the United States, succeeding Hon. A. M.
Keilly, of Richmond, Ex. U. S. Minister to Austria.
GOODRICH HATTON.
The founder of the Hatton family in Virginia was Lewis Hatton, an
English ship-owner, who settled on a large tract of land in Norfolk
county on the north side of the western branch of the Elizabeth river,
now known as "Hatton's Point." He was engaged in privateering
during the war of the Revolution, and died in 1784. Goodrich, subject
of this sketch, is descendant in the fourth degree of lineal consanguinity
from this Lewis Hatton, who was great grandfather of Goodrich's
father, Edward Alexander Hatton, who was born at Portsmouth, June
6, 1830, and married Susan Rebekah Nash, who was born at Portsmouth,
October 26, 1830. Their son Goodrich was born at "Waverly,"
the residence of his grandfather, in Norfolk county, May 8, 1862.
He was educated at the Norfolk Male Academy and at the University
of Virginia, graduating from the last named institution with degree of
Bachelor of Law in the year, 1883. He began practice as attorney and
counsellor at law in Portsmouth in September, 1883, in which he still
continues.
ROBERT MORTON HUGHES.
Robert Morton, son of Judge Robert W. Hughes, was born in Abingdon,
Virginia, on September 10, 1855. He was first educated at William
and Mary College, where he took degree as Bachelor of Arts, in
1873, then went to the University of Virginia, where he took degree of
Master of Arts in 1877, and where, also, he studied law. He is now engaged
in practice in Norfolk City.
At Williamsburg, Virginia, February 19, 1879, he married Mattie L.
Smith, and their children are two sons: Robert Morton, jr., born April
24, 1880, and Sydney Smith, born September 12, 1884. Mrs. Hughes
was born in Williamsburg, the daughter of Sydney Smith of York
county, Virginia, long a resident of Williamsburg, where he held several
offices of trust, and died in October, 1884. Her mother's maiden name
was Virginia Bucktrout.
Robert W. Hughes, father of Robert M., United States District Judge,
was born in Powhatan county, Virginia, on June 4, 1821. The mother
of Robert M. is Eliza M., daughter of Charles C. Johnston, member of
Congress 1831-3, and granddaughter of Judge Peter Johnston, of
Abingdon. She was born July 2, 1825. Her mother was a Preston,
and her paternal grandmother, Judge Johnston's wife, was a Miss
Wood, whose mother was a sister of Patrick Henry.
WILLIAM WALLACE HUNTER.
The founder of this family in Virginia, great grandfather of the subject
of this sketch, was James Hunter, born in Londonderry, Ireland, in
1764, came to America from the Island of St. Christophers in 1783,
died March 8, 1821, was a merchant and member of the firm of Allison
& Hunter. James Hunter and Miss J. Rodgers were married February
28, 1783.
His son William Frayze Hunter, grandfather of William Wallace, was
born February 15, 1787, and died November 15, 1822. William
Frayze Hunter and Henrietta Louise Andre were married July 10, 1810.
William Henry Hunter, son of William Frayze, and father of William
Wallace, was born November 15, 1814, and died March 4, 1882, at
time of his death was Clerk of the Courts of the City of Norfolk, Virginia.
William Henry Hunter and Eliza Frances Wallace were married
May 25, 1837.
William Wallace Hunter was born in Norfolk, on January 24, 1840.
He attended school at the Norfolk Military Academy, and entered the
Confederate Army in April, 1861. He was made prisoner at Roanoke
Island, North Carolina, in February, 1862, and paroled until September,
1862, from which time till the close of the war he was in constant
service in the Army of the Confederate States. After the close of the
war he went to New York, and engaged in the cotton commission business,
member of the firms of Dancy, Hyman & Co., of New York, and
Hymans & Dancy, of Norfolk. From these firms he withdrew in 1878,
since which time he has resided in Norfolk. He has been city treasurer
of Norfolk since July 1, 1885, and is now serving his second term of
three years.
In Norfolk, October 20, 1880, Rev. N. A. Okeson, D. D., united in
marriage William Wallace Hunter and Sophia E. Grandy. The bride
was born in Norfolk, a daughter of C. W. Grandy, who was born July,
1808, and died March 18, 1874, and Ann D. Grandy, nee Dozier, who
died March 15, 1882.
Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Wallace Hunter have one son, Charles Grandy Hunter
and one daughter, Henrietta Louise Hunter. They have buried one
daughter, Kate Wallace Hunter, born January 6, 1883, died March 26,
1884.
WILLIAM M. JONES
Was born in Greensville county, Virginia, on January 21, 1840, the son
of Mordecai Jones, now deceased, who was a son of John Jones, of
Brunswick county, Virginia. The mother of William M., Martha R.
Gregg her maiden name, still lives in Greensville county.
William M. finished his education at Randolph-Macon College, where
he was graduated in 1860. The following year he taught school, then
entered the Confederate States Army in the "Greensville Guards." He
was appointed assistant quartermaster, and so served around Petersburg
until the close of the war. From 1865 to 1871 he taught in the
Wesleyan Female College, and since 1871 has been engaged in his present
business in Norfolk, a member of the firm of Jones, Lee & Co., commission
merchants. Mr. Jones is chairman of the school board of Norfolk,
and treasurer of the board of city water commissioners.
In Nansemond county, Virginia, December 23, 1868, he married Pattie
J., eldest daughter of Capt. Patrick H. Lee and Joanna Rawls, his wife.
Mrs. Jones was born in Nansemond county, where her parents still
reside. Her father served in the late war, captain in the 13th Virginia
Cavalry, C. S. A.
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Jones were born in the order named: H.
Lee, now deceased, Willie M., A. Celeste, R. Paul, R. Virginia; Pattie
J., deceased, Pattie J., 2d, deceased, Richard A. and Harry P.
WILLIAM G. MAUPIN,
Was born in Portsmouth, Virginia, on July 11, 1820. He is a son of
George W. Maupin, who died in 1825, and a grandson of Gabriel Maupin,
of France. His mother's maiden name was Ann Moffat; she is no
longer living. His wife, whom he married at Petersburg, Virginia,
December 10, 1844, was born in Petersburg, Anna, daughter of
James and Ann (Dawson) Foley, both now deceased. The children
of Mr. and Mrs. Maupin are nine, born in the order named: William
G., Anna M., James F., Matilda E., Griffith, Samuel D., Aline, Ruth,
George W.
Mr. Maupin attended school in Portsmouth and Norfolk. At the age
of fourteen years he began business in a mercantile establishment, and
followed merchandising for twelve years. After farming for two years,
he returned to a mercantile life, which he has followed ever since. In
1873 he went into his present business, wholesale dealer in Maine ice.
He has worthily filled the public offices of city treasurer, councilman
and justice of the peace.
HON. JOHN NEELY
Is a son of John Neely, whose family was of Scotch-Irish extraction,
settled in Southeastern Pennsylvania at an early date. His mother's
maiden name was Bayly, the family, originally from England, early
seated in Virginia. He was born in Montgomery county, Maryland, on
September 30, 1841. He studied with his father and elder brother, in
Virginia and at St. Joseph, Missouri, until sixteen years of age, then
obtained appointment as naval cadet at Annapolis, but failed to pass
physical examination because of defective eyesight. He then taught
school for a time, reading law meanwhile. He commenced practice in
Accomack county, Virginia, at Accomack C. H., where he remained until
1885, in which year he removed to Norfolk, his present place of residence.
He was several years commonwealth's attorney for Accomack
county, and represented that county two terms in the House of Delegates.
He married at Accomack C. H., December 13, 1866, Mary V. Rayfield,
of Accomack county. They have two daughters, Ethel and Elizabeth.
Mrs. Neely is of a family settled in Virginia many years ago.
GEN. RICHARD L. PAGE
Richard L., son of William B. Page, and grandson of Mann Page, of
Gloucester county, Virginia, was born in Frederick county, Virginia, in
December, 1807. His mother, whose maiden name was Ann Lee, was
also a Virginian, a sister of Gen. Harry Lee (known as "Light Horse
Harry"). His parents have been many years dead. The wife of General
Page was born in Norfolk, Alexina, daughter of Richard and Elizabeth
(Calvert) Taylor, both now deceased. They were married in Norfolk,
November 4, 1841, have three living children, William B., Elizabeth C.,
and Walter T., and have buried three, Ann Lee, Richard L. and Alexina.
General Page was educated first in a school at Berryville, Virginia,
afterwards by private tutors in his family, after which in Alexandria,
Virginia. In 1824 he entered the United States Navy, as midshipman;
was promoted to commander, and served on several vessels. In 1861
forces were turned over to the Confederate government he was
appointed captain, C. S. N. He was assigned as ordinance officer at the
Norfolk Navy Yard, and built and commanded several forts at mouth
of Nansemond river, commanding also the naval forces at Savannah.
When Norfolk was evacuated by the Confederates he was appointed
commandant at Charlotte, North Carolina. In 1863 he was commissioned
brigadier general, and assigned to command of the outer defences
of Mobile Bay, with headquarters at Fort Morgan. When that fort was
surrendered, August 4, 1864, he was made prisoner and confined at New
Orleans, Fort Lafayette (New York), and Fort Delaware, Pennsylvania.
Released in September, 1865, he returned to Norfolk, where he devoted
himself to farming for six years. He was then appointed superintendent
of the public schools of Norfolk city, which office he filled for nine years.
General Page has now retired from active pursuits, and is living his remaining
years in Norfolk, honored and loved by all its citizens.
HON. WILLIAM H. PETERS
Was born at Portsmouth, Virginia, on May 12, 1816, the son of Henry
Peters, who died in 1825, aged about forty-four years, and Martha
Peters, nee Meredith, who died in 1841. He went to school in Portsmouth,
and at the age of sixteen years entered the United States Navy
Yard at Gosport as clerk, and continued there until May, 1855, filling
the position of commandant's secretary most of the time. In June,
1855, commenced a mercantile business in which he continued until the
secession of Virginia, when he was appointed paymaster in the navy of
Virginia, and ordered to duty at the Gosport Navy Yard, in charge of
the pay department of that establishment.
Continuing there until Virginia joined the Confederacy (when he was
succeeded by a paymaster of the Confederate navy), he was then appointed,
by Governor Letcher, commissioner to report on the public
property taken possession of, in the name of Virginia, in and around
Norfolk, including the United States navy yard at Gosport. This duty
performed, he was appointed Confederate States naval store-keeper, by
President Davis, and took charge of the stores in the Gosport yard.
He continued there until the station was evacuated by the Confederates,
May 10, 1862, when he proceeded with such stores as could be removed,
to Charlotte, North Carolina, where he remained on duty until September,
1863. He was then appointed navy agent, and assigned to
duty in the blockade, with headquarters at Wilmington, North Carolina,
having charge of the steamers of the navy department engaged in
running the blockade, and of the purchase and shipment of cotton, on
duties of this difficult position he discharged until the fall of Wilmington,
and the close of the war.
He then resumed mercantile business at Portsmouth and Norfolk. In
1879 he became president of the Citizens' Bank of Norfolk, a position
he still holds. In Portsmouth, Virginia, May 16, 1838, Mr. Peters
married Mary A. Reed, of that city. The record of their children is
James H., married Susan Sadler, of North Carolina, Carrie V., married
Dr. J. Buxton Williams, of Oxford, North Carolina; William R.,
married Mary Freeman, of Portsmouth, Laura B. (now deceased),
married Dr. Edward M. Watts, Mattie R., married Judge Legh Richmond
Watts, of Portsmouth, Washington and Mary, still living at
home.
CHARLES REID,
Son of George and Betty (Taylor) Reid, both now deceased, was born
in Scotland, in the year 1800. Coming to America when one year old,
his home has been in Norfolk ever since. He is now the oldest merchant
of the city, having been in business continuously for the last sixty-seven
years, during which time his integrity in all business transactions has
won for him the esteem of all who know him. For the past thirty-five
years he has been a member of the Presbyterian church. He has filled
several public offices of honor and trust, among them president of the
common and select councils, councilman, justice of the peace, etc.
Mr. Ried married, in Norfolk county, in 1825, Lucretia Nash, who
was born in Norfolk county, and died in 1868, aged sixty-eight years.
Their children were eight: Susan E., Charles H. (now deceased), Lucretia
N., George C., Harriet C., Rebecca F., Robert S., James T. S. The
living sons were all in service, Confederate States Army, during the late
war.
CHARLES SHARP ESQ.,
A member of the Norfolk Bar; born in 1829, succeeded his father, the
late William W. Sharp; and has practiced continuously since 1851, except
during the term of the War between the States. He married, in
1856, Lucy S., daughter of Hon. Valentine W. Southall, of Albemarle,
and has two children.
William Willoughby Sharp, father of Charles, practiced law in
Norfolk, from 1821 until 1861, succeeding Governor Tazewell. He was
the son of Colonel William Sharp, who, in the war of 1812-5, commanded
the 9th and 54th Virginia regiments, under Generals Robert B.
Taylor and Wade Hampton.
In 1800, Colonel William Sharp married Mary Willoughby. His first
paternal ancestor in Virginia—James Sharpe—from England, Kent
County, in 1621, and was a member of the colonial House of Burgesses,
as early as 1635.
Captain John Smith, "Father of the Colony," who had served on the
staff of General Lord Willoughby in the Netherlands, brought to Virginia
Thomas Willoughby (then a boy of fourteen years) founder of
the family in the colony. By royal patent this Willoughby acquired
12,000 acres of land, on the Southern Shore of Chesapeake Bay. From
him a number of Norfolk families have sprung, among others the descendants
of General Taylor, who still hold the manor-estate on Willoughby
Bay. In 1767, Henry Willoughby of Virginia became the 17th
Lord Willoughby of Parham, recovering the Barony and manors, in a
contest before the House of Lords. Hon. Willoughby Newton of Westmoreland
was one of this connection.
LUTHER SHELDON,
Son of James and Harriet (Patterson) Sheldon, both now deceased,
was born in Albion, Michigan, on January 4, 1841. He attended
school at the Albion College, and then clerked in drug stores in Albion from
the age of eighteen to twenty-one. For ten years, 1860-70, he carried
on a drug business at Kalimazoo, Michigan, member of the firm of
Johnson & Sheldon. In 1870 he removed to Norfolk, where he
engaged in the business in which he still continues, dealer in building
material of every description.
At Richmond, Virginia, October 12, 1876, he married Jennie S. Baldwin,
who was born at Newark, New Jersey, August 25, 1854, daughter
of Thomas S. Baldwin, now deceased, and Jane M. Baldwin, now a resident
of Richmond. Their children are three living: Jennie Louise,
Thomas Baldwin and Luther, one deceased, Charles Fredk., died September
6, 1878, aged one year twenty-one days.
HON. LEROY HAMILTON SHIELDS
Was born in Norfolk, Virginia, on May 18, 1854, the son of John E.
Shields, Esq., still living in Norfolk, and the grandson of William C.
Shields, formerly of Norfolk. His mother is Mary F., daughter of John
Ridley, also of Norfolk. His wife, whom he married at Alexander, Buncombe
county, North Carolina, December 29, 1885, is Mary Orra Love.
They have one daughter, Frances Elizabeth Taylor Shields, born July
28, 1887. Mrs. Shields was born in Carter county, Tennessee, and is a
daughter of Col. Robert Love, formerly of East Tennessee, now deceased.
Broad, North Carolina, is no longer living.
The subject of this sketch attended school in Norfolk. From 1875 to
1884 he was in business in this city. In 1885 was elected to the lower
house of the State legislature, Democratic member from Norfolk, serving
in sessions of 1885-6. On July 1, 1886, he was elected city collector
for Norfolk city, and is now serving his second term in this office, to
which he was re-elected for two years in 1888.
JUDGE EDWARD SPALDING.
The subject of this sketch was born in Kennebec county, Maine, on
May 29, 1842. His father, living now at Augusta, Maine, at age of
seventy-four years, is Joel Spalding, son of Benjamin Spalding. His
mother, now seventy-five years of age, is Emeline, daughter of Jacob
Spalding.
Edward attended school at the Waterville Academy, Maine. From
1864 to 1869 he was clerk in the United States Treasury Department,
at the same time studying law. He graduated at the Columbia Law
School, Washington, D. C., in 1869, and since that date has resided in
Norfolk, Virginia, where he is extensively engaged in practice. From
January 1, 1880, to December 31, 1885, he was county judge for Norfolk
county.
Judge Spalding married first Angie M. Barr, who died May 25, 1874,
leaving him one daughter, Nettie R. Secondly he married, in Norfolk,
May 15, 1877, Florence K. Blake, who was born in Wrentham, Massachusetts,
and is a daughter of Alfred and Emma C. (Estey) Blake, now
of Norfolk.
HON. LUCIEN DOUGLAS STARKE.
The Starke family have been seated in Virginia for several generations.
Col. Bowling Starke, father of Lucien D., of Hanover county,
Virginia, born in 1790, married Eliza G., daughter of Hon. Anthony
New, who represented the Caroline district in Congress for many years,
and after his removal to Kentucky represented his Congressional district
in that State in Congress for many years. Col. Bowling Starke
and his wife left surviving them the following children: Joseph A.,
Bowling W., John W., Lucien D., Anne E., Alexander W., Julia Isabella
and Lucy A., of whom Joseph A. and Alexander W. are dead.
The father of Col. Bowling Starke was also named Bowling Starke,
and was of Hanover county. His children were named: Richard,
Thomas, William, Bowling, Lucy, Ann, Sarah, Frances, Jane, Eliza,
Susan and Elizabeth—all dead, leaving numerous descendants.
Lucien Douglas Starke was born in Hanover county, Virginia, near
Cold Harbor, February 9, 1826. His first wife was Elizabeth F. Marchant,
born at Indian Town, North Carolina, May, 1831. They were
married at Indian Town, January 8, 1855, by Rev. J. B. Dod, of New
York, and she died at Franklinton, North Carolina, March 18, 1863,
leaving two daughters: Eliza N. and Elizabeth M., the latter now the
wife of W. B. Martin, of Norfolk.
Secondly, Mr. Starke married in Tarboro, North Carolina, January
8, 1868, Talitha L. Pippen, daughter of John Pippen of Edgecomb
county, North Carolina. She died in Norfolk, Virginia, February 18,
1876, leaving four children: Lucien D., Talitha P., Virginia Lee, and
William Wallace Starke.
Mr. Starke was collector of customs for the port of Elizabeth City,
North Carolina, during the administrations of Pierce and Buchanan,
and represented Norfolk City in the House of Delegates, sessions of
1875-6 and 1876-7; again in the session of 1887-8.
As colonel of the 3d regiment North Carolina militia, he was the first
officer assigned to command the forces at Hatteras Inlet, North Carolina,
during the erection of fortifications there in 1862. On the organization
of the State Troops of North Carolina he was appointed assistant
commissary of subsistence for the 17th regiment, Martin's Brigade,
Hoke's Division, but during the entire active service of the troops
under General Martin's command he was assigned to duty at general
headquarters as acting inspector general of the brigade, and served in
the trenches and at the front in all the engagements of that brigade.
Among the most important of these were those around Petersburg, the
battle of Bermuda Hundred, where the Confederate forces "bottled
up" Gen. Butler, and the battle of second Cold Harbor. During this
time, Colonel Starke also acted by temporary assignment as adjutant-general
to Gen. J. Johnston Pettigrew. At the end of the war was surrendered,
with the rest of Johnston's army, at Greensboro, North
Carolina, April, 1865.
Col. Starke has resided in Norfolk from 1867 to the present time, and
during that period has pursued his profession as a lawyer.
SAMUEL A. STEVENS,
Son of Samuel S. and Martha (Osgood) Stevens, was born in Ashburnham,
Massachusetts, May 11, 1836. His father, who was a son of Abel
Stevens, of Westford, Massachusetts, died December 1, 1874, aged
sixty-eight years. His mother is living in Baltimore, Maryland, now
aged eighty years. His parents moved from Ashburnham to Baltimore
in 1844, when he was eight years old, and he attended the schools of
course at the Westminster Academy, Massachusetts, after that one
term at the Groten Academy, Groten, Massachusetts. From that time
until 1864 he was in business in Baltimore, then removed to Norfolk,
where, for twenty-four years he was engaged in the furniture business,
several years in his own name, then under the firm name of S. A. Stevens
& Co. He retired from active business on July 1, 1885, the firm
dissolving, and his son, Samuel S. Stevens, succeeding to the
business.
Mr. Stevens married, at Westminster, Massachusetts, June 15, 1857,
Frances S., daughter of Samuel S. and Fanny M. (Ames) Swan, both
now deceased. Mrs. Stevens was born in Boston, Massachusetts. Their
children are three. Samuel S., Fanny V. and Alice L.
The branch of the Stevens family from which the subject of this
sketch is descended settled in the colony of Massachusetts, Middlesex
county, in 1634, in the town of Chelmsford, where they are still represented.
They were prominent in all town affairs, the most of them living
to an advanced age, and a number of the name and family were
honorably prominent in the Revolutionary war. On the father's side,
Mr. Stevens is connected with the Putnam family, his father's mother
having been Betsy Putnam, a near relative of Gen. Israel Putnam, of
Revolutionary fame.
Mr. Stevens has been a member of the (Norfolk) city councils for fifteen
years; was recorder of Norfolk city for two years, and is now
president of the select council. During his service in the city councils
he was an advocate for introduction of aqueduct water into the city,
and was chairman of the com which introduced water into the
city of Norfolk. He also was prominent in inaugurating the present
system of sewerage. He has filled several other prominent positions in
the city, such as member of the school board, etc.
JOHN TANNOR
Born in Petersburg, Virginia, April 8, 1860, is a son of Major N. M.
Tannor, who held that rank in the Confederate States Army, was
many years an honored resident of Petersburg, and died April 8, 1881,
aged fifty-six years. Major Tannor married Miss M. A. Rowlett, who
survives him, living now in Petersburg.
John Tannor went to school to W. Gordon McCabe, Petersburg. He
began business in Petersburg with his father, with whom he remained
two years, was then one year in a broker's office in New York City, then
returned to Petersburg, where he was four years in business, firm of John
Tannor & Co. He then made his home in Norfolk, and was two years
Three years ago he connected himself with the firm of E. H. Coates & Co.,
Norfolk, cotton commission business, with which he still remains.
FREDERICK'S TAYLOR.
The subject of this sketch was born in Norfolk, Virginia, on December
16, 1847. His father, Tazewell Taylor, died October 22, 1875, aged
sixty-six years, was the son of James Taylor, whose father was John
Taylor, merchant of Norfolk, descendant of a Scottish family of Taylors.
His mother, living now in Norfolk, is Anna Robinson Taylor, daughter
of William Dickson. His wife, whom he married in Fauquier county,
Virginia, November 12, 1873, was Bessie P. Taylor, of Fauquier county,
and their children are three sons and one daughter. Tazewell, Brooke,
Southgate, Anna R.
Mr. Taylor was educated in Norfolk and Baltimore up to 1866, when
he entered William and Mary College. After leaving college he went to
the University of Virginia, and in 1870 read law in his father's office,
but has never practiced.
He engaged in mercantile pursuits for a short time, and after his
father's death managed his and other estates. Since 1879 he has been
secretary and treasurer of the Norfolk and Ocean View R. R. In public
life he has been a member of the Council of the City of Norfolk, and president
of both branches of same. In 1873-4-5 he was a member of the
Virginia legislature.
JOHN R. TODD
Was born at Smithfield, Virginia, on April 7, 1835, the son of Mallory
M. Todd, who died in 1854, and Fanny B. Todd, nee Dick, also now
deceased. He married, at Warrenton, Virginia, on September 15, 1875,
Lillie W. Payne, of Warrenton, daughter of Richards Payne, now
deceased, and Alice Payne, still a resident of Warrenton.
Mr. Todd went to school at the Norfolk Academy, and at the age of
seventeen years engaged as drug clerk with M. A. Santos, of Norfolk,
with whom he remained one year. He then went to Richmond, where
he was drug clerk for Alex Duvall three years, then to Montgomery,
Alabama, where he remained until the breaking out of the war.
He entered the Confederate States Army in April, 1861, and served
one year in the commissary department, then was transferred to the
Nitre and Mining Bureau, and sent to Lynchburg, Virginia, where he
took charge of the salt petre refinery, and where he continued till the
close of the war.
Returning then to Norfolk, he took up the drug business again for a
year, after that was clerk on a steamer for eight months, then accepted his
present position, as register of the water works, a position he has now
ably filled for fifteen years.
GEORGE W. TAYLOR
George W., son of W. H. and Cornelia W. (Cowdery) Taylor, was
born in Norfolk, on November 30, 1853. His father died two years
later, in 1855, of yellow fever. During the war between the States he
had four brothers in service in the Confederate States Army. At Elizabeth
City, North Carolina, May 16, 1882, George W. Taylor married
Elizabeth A. Higgins. They have two children M. de Bree and Baynie.
Mrs. Taylor was born in Norfolk, Virginia, daughter of John A. Higgins,
whose wife was Margaret de Bree. Her parents are now deceased.
Mr. Taylor is engaged in business in Norfolk, dealing in coal, ice and
wood. He has served in the city council part of two terms, has taught
three years in the public schools, and is now superintendent of the
public schools, appointed November 21, 1887. He is captain of the
"Lee Rifles," which position he has held since the organization of the
company.
COL HENRY L. TURNER,
Son of William H. and Susan A. (Boush) Turner, both now deceased,
was born in Norfolk, on January 15, 1844. He married in Norfolk,
Lizzie C. Watters, May 4, 1865.
Colonel Turner was educated at Norfolk and at Christiansburg, Virginia.
He went into the Confederate States Army in the first year of the
war, serving as a private in infantry. In 1862 he attended the Virginia
Military Institute for eight months. In 1870-3 he was in the wholesale
boot and shoe business in Norfolk. For four years from 1874 was superintendent
of the Norfolk Street R. R. Co. In 1879-80 was milling, after
that farming. He has held civil or military command under every Governor
since the war, and in 1883 was appointed on the staff of Governor
Cameron. On July 10, 1886, he was appointed ordinance officer, with
rank of first lieutenant of first battery of artillery. He has also served
as quartermaster sergeant of the Norfolk Light Artillery Blues for fifteen
years. Colonel Turner is an A. F. and A. M., past master of Atlanta
Lodge, No. 2.
F. A. WALKE: M. D.
Thomas Walke, who settled in Princess Anne county in colonial days,
was the founder of the family in Virginia from which Dr. Walke is
descended. Jane Randolph, of Curls Neck, was the great grandmother
of Dr. Walke.
He was born in Norfolk, on October 1, 1831. On May 25, 1853, he
married Miss A. M. Boylor, of Norfolk. In 1854 Dr. Walke entered
service in the United States Navy, as surgeon, resigning in 1857.
During the war between the States, he was surgeon of the 46th Virginia
regiment, under Gen. H. A. Wise. Since the war he has been in
practice, and also conducting a drug store in Norfolk. Dr. Walke is a
member of the Masonic order, of the K. H., K. L. H.; Golden Rule, and
other societies.
WILLIAM TALBOT WALKE
Is a son of Richard Walke and Mary D. Walke, nee Talbot, and was
born in Norfolk, Virginia, on January 31, 1838. He was married at
Winton, North Carolina, on August 3, 1858, Sarah R., daughter of
Richard Gary (now deceased), becoming his wife. Their children are:
William Talbot, Richard G., James N., Mary D., Sally W., Isaac T.,
Ethel (deceased), Henry (deceased), and Herbert N.
In early youth Mr. Walke went to school to Paxton Pollard. He took
the collegiate course at William and Mary College, graduating in 1856.
He then entered the wholesale drug business, in which he was engaged
till the outbreak of the war between the States.
He entered the Confederate army in 1861, in Company H, 6th Virginia
Infantry, and after six months service was discharged. In the
spring of 1862 he enlisted again, in Burruss' battalion of cavalry, and
was on detached duty in the commissary department. In 1863 he was
promoted first lieutenant and adjutant of the 39th Battalion Virginia
Cavalry, with which he served until the close of the war.
Returning then to Norfolk, he went into business with W. W. Chamberlaine;
in 1866-67 was farming in North Carolina; then returned to
Norfolk, and was in the book and stationery business about a year. In
1869 went into the general insurance business, in which he has continued
ever since.
JAMES HATTON WATTERS
Was born at Norfolk, Virginia, on July 13, 1840, the son of James
Watters, who died in 1850, and Georgiana Virginia Watters, nee
Martin, also now deceased.
He was married in Norfolk, July 6, 1882, to Margaret S. Garrett
who was born in Norfolk county. She departed this life on December
21, 1887, leaving her husband with three children: Garrett, James
Hatton and Margaret.
Mr. Watters went to school in Norfolk county and city, and begar
business as a clerk at the age of fourteen years in Norfolk. He continued
as a clerk until the war, entering the Confederate States Army
Light Artillery Blues, and served until the close of war. He was
wounded and made prisoner at Chancellorsville, but released shortly
after. He returned to Norfolk at the close of the war and entered business
for himself as a member of the firm of Taylor, Martin & Co., hardware.
He still continues in the same line of business, partner in the
firm of Watters & Martin, wholesale hardware, 84-6 Water street,
Norfolk.
Mr. Watters has twice been a member of the city council of Norfolk.
JUDGE LEGH RICHMOND WATTS.
Judge Legh R. Watts, son of Dr. Edward M. Watts and Ann Eliza
(Maupin) Watts, was born in the City of Portsmouth, December 12,
1843. His paternal grandfather was Col. Dempsey Watts and his
maternal, Dr. George W. Maupin, surgeon U. S. A. He has continuously
resided in Portsmouth. During the War he served as a private in
the Confederate Army, doing duty principally in North and South Carolina,
he was paroled at Greensboro, North Carolina, on the surrender
of Gen Joseph E. Johnston's Army in 1865. Returning home, he resumed
his studies, interrupted by the war, and attended the University
of Virginia, sessions of 1865-6 and 1866-7, graduating in several of
the academic schools at the end of his first session, and taking the
degree of Bachelor of Law at the end of the second.
He at once engaged in the practice of the law, and continued until
1870, when he was elected by the Legislature of Virginia, Judge of
Norfolk County.
In 1880, he resumed, and still continues the active practice of his
profession. The City Council, in 1883, elected him President, and he
still holds that position.
Since November, 1883, he has been President of the Bank of Portsmouth,
the oldest banking institution in the city, and in 1888, he was
nominated by Governor Lee as a Member of the Board of Visitors of
the University of Virginia, and confirmed by the Senate, for the term
of 1888-92.
On November 26, 1868, at Portsmouth, he married Mattie P.,
daughter of William H. and Mary A. (Reed) Peters, of that city, and
the issue of this union is six children.
THOMAS HAMLIN WILLCOX
Was born in Amherst county, Virginia, on October 4, 1859, the son of
Thomas W. Willcox, of Charles City county, and his wife, Martha A. R.
Willcox, nee Claiborne. Thomas W. Willcox was born in Charles City
late war.
At Norfolk, Virginia, October 14, 1885, Thomas Hamlin Willcox and
Mary Cary Ambler were united in marriage. The bride was a daughter of
Thomas M. Ambler, now of Ashland, Virginia. Her mother, whose
maiden name was Virginia Sharp, is no longer living. Mr. and Mrs.
Willcox have two children, Mary Ambler and Thomas Hamlin.
After the usual preliminary studies, Mr. Willcox entered the Virginia
Agricultural and Mechanical College, Blacksburg, Virginia, whence he
was graduated in August, 1877. In 1880 he took the summer law
course at the University of Virginia, and since 1884 has been practicing
law in Norfolk. Since July 1, 1886, he has been commonwealth attorney
for Norfolk City.
GEORGE R. WILSON
George Wilson married Mary Drew, and their son George R. was born
at Smithfield, Isle of Wight county, Virginia, August 26, 1817. He attended
school in his native town, and also a private school in Amelia
county, Virginia, took the collegiate course at William and Mary
College, and attended the University of Virginia. In 1837 he returned
to his home, his father then engaged in business in Norfolk, and clerked
for his father one year. After that he went to Cincinnati, Ohio, where
he was engaged in the pork business, a business he followed in various
other places until the beginning of the war. He then returned to Virginia,
and served through the war in the commissary department at
Richmond. After the war he carried on a family grocery store in Norfolk
until 1872, then was in the ice business, and other mercantile pursuits
until 1884, since which time he has filled the office of justice of the
peace, serving now his second term. From 1877 for four years he was
cashier of the custom house, Norfolk.
Mr. Wilson married in Norfolk, June 7, 1848, Rev. George D. Cummings,
of the Episcopal Church, joining him in wedlock with Claudia
Sharp, born in Norfolk in 1827. She was the daughter of William W.
Sharp, now deceased, and Mary A. L. (Schofield) Sharp. Mr. and Mrs.
Wilson have lost two sons: William Sharp, lost at sea, in transitu to
San Francisco, 1872, and Byrd, an infant, and have two daughters.
Mary Willoughby and Evelyn.
M'DONALD L. WRENN
Aurelius and Martha V. (Holmes) Wrenn, both now deceased, were
the parents of McDonald L. Wrenn, who was born in Norfolk, November
5, 1858. He married in Richmond, Virginia, October 22, 1884, his wife,
Campbell, of Richmond.
He attended school in Norfolk, from the age of six to fifteen years, and
then went into his father's establishment, carriage business, as bookkeeper,
where he remained six years. In 1880, with his father and R. W.
Whitehurst, he went into business, under the firm name and style of
Wrenn, Whitehurst & Co., having factory, foundry and salesrooms for
the manufacture and sale of plows, presses, planters, and all agricultural
implements, his father still continuing his carriage business separately.
In 1885 became a member of the firm of A. Wrenn & Son, in which business
he still continues, with C. O. Wrenn in partnership, the firm name
remaining A. Wrenn & Son. This business was established in 1852, and
the firm carries on the largest factory in the South, manufacturing carriages,
buggies, road carts, harness and conveyances of every description.
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