Page:Encyclopedia of Virginia Biography volume 4.djvu/320

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\'IRGINIA BIOGRAPHY

honors, and at once commenced practice in Norfolk. 4. Alvah H., Jr., graduate of Ran- dolph-Macon College and the law course of the University of Virginia, class -of 191 2, admitted to the bar the same year, passing the examinations with highest honors, as did his brother; now practicing with the firm of Martin cK: Martin. 5. Howard G. 6. Dorothy.

George Gresham Martin. George Gres- ham Martin, son of Colonel James Green (q. V.) and Bettie L. (Gresham) Martin, was born in Norfolk county, Virginia, Au- gust 8. 1869. In the public schools and Nor- folk Academy he obtained his preparatory scholastic training, then entered Randolph- Macon College and the University of Vir- ginia. After leaving the University of Vir- ginia he began the study of law, continuing this after his appointment to the office of deputy county clerk of courts. Gaining ad- mission to the bar, he at once established in general practice, which he continues to this time, specializing, to a certain extent, in corporation and title law. He is a lawyer of standing and reputation, was city attor- ney for the city of Berkeley for several years, and is attorney for the Merchants' and Planters' Bank and the Chesapeake Building Association, likewise holding place upon the directorates of both these insti- tutions, and is also attorney for the Berke- ley Permanent Building and Loan Asso- ciation. Mr. Martin is president of the Su- perior Land Company, and now fills the offtce of harbor commissioner. His political party is the Democratic and he is a mem- ber of the Norfolk county committee of that party, also serving on the board of educa- tion. He is a member of lodge, chapter, commandery and shrine of the Masonic order, and belongs to the St. Thomas Pro- testant Episcopal Church. His club is the Country.

In legal, political, financial and business circles Mr. Alartin has risen to positions of prominence, for which natural endowments and acquired ability have qualified him. He typifies alert, progressive citizenship, and has shown himself to be steadfastly and ac- tively enlisted in the cause of advancement and improvement in civil affairs.

George Gresham Alartin married, Sep- tember 28. 1893, Lillian H. Wilson, born October 17. 1872, daughter of Rev. Dr. Rich-

ard Taylor and Sarah Hataka (Hobbs) Wil- son, her father a graduate of the Virginia Military Institute, formerly an attorney. Rev. Dr. Richard Taylor Wilson was a son of Charles and Mary Elizabeth Wilson, his wife a daughter of Meredith Clayton and Clara Jane (Starke) Hobbs. Children of George Gresham and Lillian H. (Wilson) Martin : Lillian Elizabeth, born May 27, 1895 ' ^lary Maud, born September 12, 1896, died April 16, 1904; George Gresham Jr., born July 14. 1903; Richard W., born Sep- tember 20, 1906.

Samuel Walker Lyons. Maud Martin, daughter of Colonel James Green (q. v.) and Bettie L. (Gresham) Martin, was born July 10, i860. She enjoyed excellent educational advantages. She married. May 19, 1880, Samuel Walker Lyons, born December 18, 1855. son of W' illiam H. and Sophia (Wal- ker) Lyons. William H. Lyons was born in Pennsylvania. 1830, died in Berkeley, \"irginia. 1910; he was superintendent of machinery in the United States Navy Yard at Portsmouth, Virginia, for twenty-seven years, and was president of the Portsmouth city council for some years and treasurer of the city one term of four years. He was the father of two sons and three daughters, Samuel W., of whom further; Eleanor M.. married Charles H. Williams; Sophia Belle, deceased; William H., deceased; Willie Frances, deceased.

Samuel Walker Lyons was educated in Slater's private school and after the com- pletion of his general studies took up draughting. Becoming proficient in this calling, he was employed as a draughtsman, entering the government service in the navy yard, Norfolk, Virginia, later accepting a position as guager in United States Revenue Service and remained there until he was elected to the office of treasurer of Norfolk county, in 1883, and which he has since held continuously. For thirty-two years he has wisely and efficiently administered the finances of Norfolk county, and has re- turned full and exact account of his stew- ardship of the public funds. Among his fellows in the public service he is known as an official to whom duty is paramount and who considers the full discharge of his duty an obligation almost sacred. He is a member of lodge, chapter, commandery and shrine in the Masonic order, and is also