Lamb, William
soldier, merchant, statesman, was born Sept. 7, 1835, in Norfolk, Va. He attended the Rappahannock Military academy; the William and Mary college; and in 1855 was valedictorian of his class. During the war he built and commanded Fort Fisher, N. C.; and repulsed Gens. Butler and Porter on Christmas, 1864. He was captured at Fort Fisher, after being desperately wounded, on Jan. 15, 1865. These were the two heaviest naval bombardments in the annals of the war; and the most prolonged hand-to-hand fight during the civil war.
For six years he was mayor of Norfolk; was actively identified with public affairs; presided at both democratic and republican state conventions; and was several times on the presidential electoral ticket.
He engaged in the shipping business and the export of Pocahontas coal, and has attained prominence as a successful merchant.