National Republican. (Washington City (D.C.)) 1872-1888, 1886-03-06
HARRISON PHTBUS.
Sketch of His Life, with Its Record
of Enterprise and Fidelity.

of Enterprise and Fidelity.
Few men not occupying high official posi-
ton have held as high place in the hearts
and minds of the people at large, and
especially of Virginia, as did Harrison
Phebus, late owner aud proprietor Of the
famous Hygela Hotel, at Fortress Monroe.
A self-made man In the best sense, he was
truly representative American citizen.
AS hotel proprietor he had an acquaintance
with all the leading men Of the country.
He was born in Somerset county, Nd, in
1910, Of poor, handwriting, but respecta.
BILE parents, being the youngest Of sixteen
children. Before nc had attained his 18th
year his father died, leaving his mother with
a large family to support. In order to as
sist his mother as much as possible he
had 10 work hard, summer and winter,
and consequently had but few opportunities
for education. He did, however, attend a
district school for q few years, often being
interrupted in his attendance by the calls
made upon him to aid IN the support Of his
widowed mother. AS dutiful son he con-
tributed every dollar Of his earnings to that
end; and not until he had passed his 18th
year did he know what it was to spend
anything for himself. Being very ambitious
he devoted all his leisure hours to the i'm
provement Of his mind, and cultivating the
natural turn he had for mechanical bust
ness, without any aid, he taught himself
shorthand writing by the aid of a copy Of
Pitman's Photography which he happened
to procure from a friend. AT the age OF IL
he had contracted to do some mill hauling;
at 10 he was master builder, undertaking
small contracts In his county.
In 1861 he enlisted In the Union aarmy In
q MARYLAND regiment, and was honorably
discharged in 1868. Just after his discharge
from the army, being In Baltimore, he hap
pened to go into the Adams express office,
and, noticing the orderly and systematic
manner in which the work was done there,
he asked of gentleman who was stand
ing by:
"Who hires the men hereY"
~ do" was the answer given him. "What
do you wantSn
"Work," PhGbus replied.
"What can GU doS''
81 can sweep the floor, l can load a
wagon, or can write letter."
The gentleman thus addressed was Sam
| uel NJ. Shoemaker, manager OF the Adams
Express Company. He employed PhGbus
as wagner at So per week. In ten days
he was at work In the office of the express
company. He was often and rapidly pro-
NOTED, until 1866 he was appointed the
agent of Adams Express Company at
Fortress Monroe. In addition to his work
as express agent, he held the position Of
postmaster, was also agent for several traus-
poftation companies, conducted large in
surance business, and was also a notary
public and United States commissioner OF
deeds for the several states.
Here began the great success which after
| ward crowned his labors. Attenti on to
| business, prudent and possessing most ex-
cellent judgment, lie made very many
profitable investments in real estate, and
| steadily added to his possessions.
In 1874 the Hygeia Hotel was offered for
SALE and was purchased by Mr.. PhGbus, he
still retaining his interest in all his other
business. The old Hygeia Hotel had been,
prior TO the late war, a great resort, but
| during that time 1t had been torn down
Afterward it was rebuilt and opened 10 the
public, but under that management II did
not prove a success. Under Mr.. 'Phpbus's
control 1t gained in popularity very rapidly
and he soon made 1t most widely known
and popular watering place. At the time
Of his death II was, 10 all its appurtenance:
for comfort and elegance, the equal Of any
similar establishment In the country. II
stands to-day as grand and enduring
monument to the enterprise, energy, skill
and hard work Of Mr.. PhGbus.
His private character was blameless; II
all the relations of life he was ever tru,
and faithful kind husband, an indulgen
father, and a firm and stanch friend to tn,
poor and deserving.
1t is estimated that the property left b,
Mr.. PhGbus will amount to about $500, 900
the whole Of which is left to his wife ant
children. The business will be continued
by one of his sons for the benefit Of tn
family, aided by the same able and com
petent assistants who In the past assisted
Mr.. Ph@bus in the management of tn
| HUypeia -