The Biographical cyclopedia of representative men of Maryland and District of Columbia Pt. 1, Part 26

Author: National Biographical Publishing Co. 4n
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Baltimore : National Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 844

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KEAT, WILLIAM, was born in Lanarkshire, Scotland, October 13, 1829. The names of his parents were John and Elizabeth (Cadzow) Peat. His father died when he was two and a half years old, and his mother afterward married a Mr. William King. Mr. Peat was educated at the Dalziel Common School, in Scotland. After leaving school, his stepfather placed him in the Windmill Hill Stone Quarries, where he learned his trade, serving four years. He then, for six years, worked on the tomb of the Duke of Hamilton. In 1853, he came to America, and worked at his trade, in New Vork, until 1858, during which time he married Miss Cris- tinia Riddell. Ile then came to Baltimore and worked for Mr. Whitelaw until the year 1866, when, entering into partnership with Mr. Dennis Sullivan, he began the stone business, at the corner of Madison and Forrest Streets. He has since been greatly prospercd. IIe is now engaged in a very large business, which has required long journeys into the Eastern and Southern States. Mr. Peat acquired his early religious education in the Presbyterian Church, of which, in Scotland, he was a member. Politi- cally he is a Democrat. Ilis first wife died in 1861. On February 16, 1864, he married Miss Mary Virginia l'at- terson, only daughter of Captain William and Martha (Lennox) Patterson. By this union he has had six chil-

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dren, three of whom are living. The others died in in- fancy. The struggles of Mr. Peat in his early business career served to mature and develop those higher qualities of mind which are leading traits in his character. Uutiting industry, persistent attention to business, and a strictly conscientious regard not only to the fulfilment of con- tracts, but to the uniform excellence of material, adjust- ments, and niceties, which are apt to escape the notice of even the practiced eye, have become a component part of his being. Though most of his time has been devoted to his business, he has been able so to give attention to study as to enrich his mind in literature and in the physical and metaphysical sciences. lle is regarded in the community not only as a reliable and successful business man, but as a man of large heart, and a valuable and true friend.

€ AST EID, CONRAD, was born, August 15, 1840, at Hesse Darmstadt, Germany. Ile attended the government schools until he was fourteen years of age, when, for a few years, he assisted his father in the tailor business in Germany. In his seven- teenth year he left Germany, with his father, for America, reaching Baltimore October 10, 1857. In Baltimore he continued to assist his father until 1864, when he began the merchant tailor business on his own account, in which he has ever since continued. Mr. Meid takes much interest in music, and delights to foster musical talent. For two years he was Treasurer and three years the President of the Harmonie Singing Association. Under his superintendency it rapidly increased in members and soon became a first- class nmusical association. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. Ile has been much interested in educational matters and in the establishment and furtherance of mo- rality and religion. For about fourteen years he has been a member of the German Reformed Church. He has been President of the School Board of the German Re- formed St. John's congregation. In 1874, he aided iu organizing the Reformed Ziou's congregation, of Balti- more, of which he was unanimously elected President. In 1874, he also helped to organize the German Central Bank, of Baltimore, and so highly was he regarded for business talent and sagacity that he was unanimously elected President of that institution, which position he still holds. On May 12, 1864, he married Elizabeth, daughter of Lewis Schmick, of Baltimore. He has six children. In his intercourse with others, Mr. Meid is affable, kindly, and generous, and, whether in business or philanthropie work, has always shown himself to be a truc man, ever ready to lend a helping hand to any who needed his advice or assistance, and in every way proved himself a good citizen of his adopted country.

LIZZARD, CHARLES HI., was born in Baltimore, Maryland, May 6, 1832. His parents were Caleb Stansberry and Mary (Thomas) Blizzard. His great grandfather, Caleb Stansberry, was one of the first settlers of the State. He was in the army of the Revolution, and his sons fought in the war of 1812. They were all farmers, and possessed of consider- able means. His grandfather, Isaiah Blizzard, was a French Huguenot. He died in early life, and his wife also, leaving two young children, Caleb Stansberry Blizzard and a younger sister, who were brought up by their mother's father, Caleb Stansberry. This gentleman lived to the age of ninety-nine years. At his death he set all his slaves free. The father of the subject of this sketch is a resi- dent of Ilempstead, Carroll County, Maryland. He has always been a member of the Methodist Church, as first organized in this country, having united with it in his youth. He is now in his seventy-seventh year, and as active as a man of fifty. IIe never drank a drop of intox- icating liquors in his life, and never used tobacco in any form. Ilis wife, Mary Thomas, was from the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and of good family. When their son, Charles H., was four years of age they removed to Owen's Mills, Baltimore County, and remained four years, after which they removed to Carroll County, return- ing when he was thirteen years of age to the neighborhood of Owen's Mills. He there found his first opportunity to attend school, but then only in the winter scason ; the other months of the year he was kept busy on the farm. He afterwards attended the Franklin Academy at Reister- town. When eighteen years of age he came to Baltimore to learn the butcher business, but it being repugnant to him, he returned to farming. In January, 1854, he went West as far as the State of Illinois, where, during that year, he married Miss Mary A. Kingsley. The next June they returned to Baltimore. In 1857, he was appointed on the first uniformed police force, in the city of Baltimore, in which he faithfully served until the breaking out of the war in 1861, when he took charge of a farm. until 1863. HIe then re-entered the police service, in which he remained five years, and resigned to become sexton of old St. Peter's Protestant Episcopal Church, at the corner of Sharp and German Streets. In July, 1869, the society, having sold the old church, commenced the erection of the new one on the corner of Druid Hill Avenue and Lanvale Street. During all the four years in which this was building, they kept Mr. Blizzard on his regular salary. This afforded him a great deal of leisure, which he turned to the best account in learning undertaking and cabinetmaking, and, in 1876, he established himself in the undertaking and livery business, erecting for this purpose the elegant build- ing occupying Nos. 197 and 201 l'ennsylvania Avenue. Ilere he has ever since conducted the business with very great success. In 1874, he invented a patent case for the preservation of bodies in ice, which is acknowledged to

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be one of the best in the country. He still continues the . sexton of St. Peter's Church, of which he is also a member. He has live children, William 11., Mary Kate, George 11., Albeit Littell, and Annie May, the oldest of whom is twenty two years of age, and the youngest twelve. Mr. Blizzard is a member of and has held high offices in most of the following orders : the Free Masons, Odd Fel- lows, Red Men, Independent Mechanics, American Me- chanics, Unknown Friends, Knights of the Golden Star, and Sons of Temperance. In his political affiliations he was formerly a Whig, and is now a Republican.

ORWOOD, SUMMERFIELD, Merchant, was born, May 5, 1823, in Baltimore, Maryland. His an- cestors were among the earliest settlers in the American colonies, His grandfather, Elijah Nor- wood, was licensed to preach by that earnest Chris- tian worker, Bishop Francis Asbury, and became one of the earliest and most devoted preachers of the Methodist Episcopal Church in Maryland. His father, John Nor- wood, began mercantile business in Baltimore, in 1819. After a few years, he established a large and prosperous trade on a solid basis. Though an old-line Whig, and firm in his political views, he sought no political honors, and when offered they were declined. Having accumulated what money he thought he needed, he gave up his busi- ness to his son Summerfield, in 1856. The mother of Mr. S. Norwood, Margaret Samuel, born in Cardiff, Wales, in 1796, came over with her father to New York, in 1810. She was a handsome woman, of engaging manners, and cultivated mind ; a member of the Baptist Church, and a thorough Christian. The government of her children, though thorough and effective, was a government of love. In her was an illustration of the good wife and the pru- dent and loving mother. Even now the thoughts of her children never turn toward her but with the warmest affec- tion. Mr. Summerfield Norwood, the eldest son of John Nor wood, received his elementary education in his father's house, under the alde teaching of thburn W. Mulligan, a graduate of St. John's College, of Annapolis, Maryland, who was for several years the family tutor. His instruc- tions under the home roof were thorough, and consisted mainly of the English branches and the higher mathe- matics. At the age of eighteen he entered his father's store, where he had the advantage of that careful training, which his father was so well able to give, and the results of which were to be exhibited in the creditable success of his future life. He continued in the store as chief assistant, until 1856, when his father having confidence in his integ- rity, practical knowledge, and ability, gave the entire busi- ness into his hands. The result justified the confidence thus bestowed. Mr. Norwood, as his father's successor,

conducted the business with such care, skill and attention, that he added greatly to its extent, and by prudent and successful management acquired a handsome competence. Mr. Norwood has never married. He is, however, of a deeply affectionate nature, and during his life has exem- plified in his acts the solicitude and kindness of a father. Ile has educated two of his nephews and brought them up with the care and affection of a parent. Ilis services as a friend have not been confined to his own kindred. Many in need have received from him a kindly, helping hand, . and many a worthy mechanic has been aided by advice and practical assistance in getting a start in the world. His acts of beneficence are disinterested and without show, and rarely does any one but the person helped know that aid has been given. Though firm in his political views, he is not a partisan ; though well fitted to adorn positions of trust , and responsibility, he has held no political office. Of late years, he has peremptorily refused to have his name used as a nominee. As an employer, he is forbearing and kind; as a friend, true and firm. By his dependents he is cheer- fully obeyed and revered; and by his friends, honored and loved. A member of the Methodist Church, he is always ready, cheerfully and liberally, to lend a hand in its main- tenance and growth. Useful as a citizen, of the strictest integrity as a merchant, conspicuous for honesty as a man, diligent in business, his life furnishes an example that has made its impress on the community in which he lives, and his business career has been an honor to the house of which he is the respected head.

IANS, WILLIAM II., President of the Annapolis and Elkridge Railroad, the eldest son of John and Elizabeth ( Knight) Bians, was born in New Castle, Delaware, March 18, 1834. His father was, at that time, superintendent of the famous Kaybold establishment, the first great fruit farm of that State. In ISjo, he purchased a farm in Cecil County, Maryland, to which he removed, and where he remained till iS.jo, when he took up his residence in Baltimore, and entered into mercantile business. Accordingly, part of the childhood of Mr. Bians was spent in Delaware, and part on the farm in Cecil County. After he was twelve years of age, his home was in Baltimore. Ilere he attended the public school for about six months, when, on account of the fail- ure of his father in business, he was obliged to commence labor to assist in the family support, and speht a year in the employ of parties engaged in stripping tobacco. After this he was, for three years, an errand boy with Mr. John T. Watkins, furniture dealer. While here, determined not to fall behind other boys of his age, he purchased with his own money, books and writing materials, and would sit up until midnight, studying and perfecting himself in penman-

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ship. At the age of sixteen, he was apprenticed to Thomas 11. Rice, to learn the block and pump making business. Three years later, restless, and longing for change, he left the employ of Mr. Rice and went to sea on the ship Wil- liam Weatherby, and also made voyages on the schooners Jane N. Baker and Emma Jane, visiting the ports of Mo- bile, Pensacola, New Orleans, and New York. He passed in this manner, a period of four years, when he left the sea, hired a set of tools, and started out through Calvert, St. Mary's, and Charles counties, making pumps for the agri- culturists. After spending several years in this business, he went to Florida, and was engaged for a year and a half in the navy yard at Pensacola, following his trade. Ile then returned with the sum of eight hundred dollars in his possession, the first money he had been able to save in all these years of toil. With this he resolved to lay a good foundation for the future. Finding there was nothing doing at that time in his line of business in Baltimore, he embraced the opportunity to gratify a long-cherished desire for study, and entered Gallagher's Mercantile College. The year that he spent here was the turning-point of his life. He acquired a fund of knowledge, and the power of using it, that made him feel himself a new man. He now set out afresh in life, determined to make for himself a name and a place. He was about starting for Texas, when he was met by Mr. John W. Davis, then a paymaster on the Baltimore and Ohio Ralroad, who advised him against the trip he had in contemplation, and urged him instead to take a position on that road. Mr. Bians accepted his advice, and began as a brakeman for two years; he then became bag- gage-master, and early in 1861 was made conductor. At this post, all the apparent hardships and roughness of his early life, had conspired to make him just the man that was needed for the troubled times that followed immedi- ately afterwards. He became famous for the promptness, skill, decision, and cool courage with which he executed all his trusts, and for the implicit confidence with which he might be relied upon in an emergency. Ile was the con- ductor who took General Butler from Annapolis to the Relay House, with two regiments, one from New York, and one from Massachusetts, The vast multitudes of the North. ern army were continually passing over his route. Gen- erals Iloward and Franklin, in citizen's dress, were on his train at the time the Confederates under General Bradley Johnson invaded Maryland. Ile made the usual stop at College Station, when the rebel cavalry came swiftly upon them, but he quickly started his train at great speed, and ran through and escaped them. On the night that Lincoln was assassinated, he ran a train to Washington at four A.M., with special detectives to assist in the capture of Booth. When George Peabody, almost in a dying condition, came to America for the last time, the road detailed Mr. Bians as special conductor to take him on a special train with the party of bankers and gentlemen who accompanied him to the White Sulphur Springs. In 1873, he became tired of

this kind of life, and went to Kansas and other places, deal - ing in real estate, until January, 1876, when he was elected President of the Annapolis and Elkridge Railroad. Ile had been, in 1875, elected a director in this road, which under his management has greatly improved. He has im. proved the road-bed, had new ties made, new buildings, and introduced whatever changes would conduce to the efficiency of the road and the comfort and convenience of the passengers. In consequence of this wise and efficient management, the road has made more money in the last two years than in the ten previous. In 1875, he gave his father and mother the deed of a house and lot for a home in the city of Baltimore, in which they are still residing. Mr. Bians was married, in 1866, to Miss Elizabeth James Salmon, a lovely woman, who died in 1876, leaving him two children, Laura Virginia and William Salmon Bians, one child having died previously. Mr. Bians and his children reside with the parents of his wife, in Baltimore city.

BENKINS, FELIX, M.D., was born in Baltimore, Maryland, October 11, 1825. Receiving his early education at the best private schools, he entered, at the age of thirteen years, St. Mary's College, Bal- timore, where he pursued his studies diligently for six years, going through the regular course of that institu- tion, and graduating with honor. Ilis collegiate education finished, he commenced the reading of medieine in the of- fice of the late Dr. Dunbar ; applied himself closely to the study of the medical science for over five years, and grad- uated at the Maryland University with distinguished honor, in the spring of 1850. The graduating class of that year was one of the most eminent that ever went forth from that institution. Dr. Jenkins also enjoyed the advantages of a resident studentship at the Baltimore County Almshouse, for one year after graduating, when it was under the medi- cal care of Dr. Thomas Buckler and Dr. W. 11. Baxley. The thorough course of study he had thus pursued particu- larly qualified him for the position which was then con- ferred upon him, that of resident physician at the Baltimore Infirmary, the duties of which were ably and acceptably discharged by him for five years. The manner in which he acquitted himself, whilst occupying that important posi- tion, is indicated in a letter written by that eminent physi- cian, Dr. George W. Miltenberger, in 1860, wherein, whilst recommending Dr. Jenkins for a certain medical ap- pointment, he thus speaks of him: " I have known Dr. Felix Jenkins well and intimately for many years, and, whether as a gentleman or physician, I have yet to hear, from any source, one word to his detriment." Ilis character and conduct, professionally and otherwise, also received the unqualified approbation of the medical faculty. Upon leaving the Baltimore Infirmary, Dr. Jenkins was elected,

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for three years, physician of the Baltimore General Dis- pensary ; but before the expiration of that time, he found it necessary to resign the position on account of his exten- sive private practice, which demanded his exclusive at- tention. Through his rare professional skill and attain- ments, and the conscientious discharge of his duties as a phy- sician, he has built upa large and lucrative practice. Dr. Jen- kins's father was Felix Jenkins, a native of Charles County, Maryland, who was a lineal descendant of Thomas Jen- kins, a brave soldier of the American Revolutionary war, and who was taken prisoner during the war and placed on board of a British prison ship, in the harbor of New York, suffering all the cruel and barbarous treatment which the English inflicted upon their captives. llis ancestors, for over five generations, were born in Charles County, Mary- land, and were of Welsh origin, emigrating to this country at the same time Lord Baltimore came over. Felix Jen- kins, Sr., married Miss Fanny H. Wheeler, daughter of Benjamin Wheeler, of Ilarford County, Maryland, a lady of most exemplary Christian character, devoted to all good works. Such are her kindly, maternal traits, that she still treats Dr. Jenkins with the same tender solicitude as when he was a mere boy. Dr. Jenkins married, May, 1861, Miss Nancy Jenkins (a distant relative), daughter of William S. Jenkins, of Adams County, Pennsylvania, and has had five children. During the late civil war, he was an ardent and unwavering supporter of the National Government. He is a devoted and consistent member of the Roman Catholic Church, and by the faithful discharge of all the duties re- quired of him in the varied relations of life, has won the esteem and confidence of the community.

JUTMAN, JOEL, Merchant, was born September 3, 1829, at Merchingen, Grand Duchy of Baden, Germany. Ilis parents, Moses and Ella Gutman, were also natives of Germany. Mr. Gutman's fa- 'ther was in the military service during the war of 1814, and distinguished himself for bravery. After the downfall of Napoleon, he engaged in mercantile busi- ness, in which he continued until his death. Mr. Gutman received an elementary education, and when fourteen years of age, entered a mercantile house in Buchen by Oden- wald, where, according to the custom in the old country, he served an apprenticeship of several years, and, having learned the business, went to the city of Wurtzburg, in his eighteenth year, and entered into the employ of a firm engaged in the wholesale drygoods trade, filling the posi- tion of salesman. He remained there until 1849, when, on account of the disturbed condition of affairs in Europe, re- sulting from the revolution of 1848, he emigrated to Amer- ica. Embarking in a sailing vessel at London, he landed in New York, in July, 1849, after a tedious voyage of thirty-

five days, in striking contrast with an ocean voyage by steam navigation to-day. On his arrival in New York, he went directly to Baltimore, where one of his brothers re- sided. Being unable to find employment there, he went to Virginia, and merchandised in a small way. Commencing thus, and being a stranger, with no knowledge of the Eng- lish language, he had a difficult struggle to secure a foot- hold in business, but he finally succeeded so well that in the summer of 1852, he was able to return to Baltimore and enter into partnership with his brother. In 1853, the partnership was dissolved by mutual consent, and Mr. Gut- man commenced business on his own account at No. 29 North Eutaw Street. Ile continued to do a small dry- goods business there until 1866, when, finding the space too contracted for his business requirements, he bought the property opposite, and built the iron front warehouse, at present occupied by him at Nos. 34 and 36 North Eutaw Street, and later leased the adjoining premises for the pur- poses of his business. His store is now one of the largest and most complete establishments of the kind in the city. When his new building was erected there were not many improvements in that locality, and his house was regarded as a great addition to the business structures in that part of the city. The style of his firm at present is Joel Gutman & Co., Mr. F. Nassauer being his associate, and their busi- ness, which is conducted on the one-price system, is con- fined principally to silks, laces, fine dress goods, and trim- mnings. They import their choicest and finest goods direct from the European manufacturers, and Mr. Gutman was abroad several times to establish his business correspond- ents. The business of the house has been steadily increas- ing, from year to year, owing to its widespread reputation for strict business integrity, until it now does a very large wholesale and retail trade, requiring the services of between forty and fifty male and female employees. Mr. Gutman is of the Hebrew faith, being a member of the Lloyd Street Synagogue, of which he is one of the Board of Trustees. Ile is also the President of the Hebrew Orphan Asylum, one of the many noble charitable institutions of this city. Ile was married, August 15, 1852, to Miss Bertha Kayton, daughter of the late Louis and Caroline Kayton, of Bal- timore, and has five children living.

YRD, HARVEY LEONIDAS, M.D., was born in Sa- lem, South Carolina, August 8, 1820. He is de- scended from English and Scotch ancestors, who early settled in this country. His paternal grand- father served as a member of Mation's brigade during the Revolutionary war. After receiving a classical education in South Carolina, and having the honorary de -. " gree of A.M. conferred upon him by Emory College, of Georgia, he entered the Jefferson Medical College, and af- terward graduated from the Pennsylvania College, in 1840, and also from the University of Pennsylvania, in 1867. Hle

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began the practice of his profession at Salem, South Caro- lina, afterward removing to Savannah, Georgia, and ulti- mately, to Baltimore, Maryland, in which city he is now (1870), located, and engaged in active practice. Soon after his removal to Baltimore, in 1866, he began a move ment for the re-opening of Washington University, which for several years had suspended operations. With the con- currence and co-operation of Dr. Thomas E. Bond, Dr. War- ren, and several other gentlemen, the announcement of the re-opening of the school was issued over Dr. Byrd's name, as Dean, in 1867. The school at once entered upon a ca- reer of unprecedented success. After about six years, he withdrew from the school, and joined other gentlemen in the establishment of the College of Physicians and Sur- geons of Baltimore. He was first Professor of Materia Medica and Therapeutics in the Savannah Medical Col- lege, then Professor of Principles and Practice in Ogle- thorpe Medical College, Georgia, Professor of Obstetrics in the Washington University, and Professor of the Dis- enses of Women and Children in the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Baltimore. He was also Dean of these three first named institutions, and first President of the faculty in the last. Among the many papers which he has contributed to medical journals, are " Muriated Tincture of Iron in Scarlatina," " Yellow Fever," " Combination Operation in Amputation," " Speedy Method in Asphyxia of Newly-born Infants," " Bloodletting in Disease," " Quinia in Traumatic Tetanus, " and the " Physiological Impossibility of Descent of the Races of Men from a Single Pair." He is a member of the South Carolina Medical Association, the Georgia Medical Association, the Medical and Chirurgical Faculty of Maryland, the Baltimore Medi- cal Association, the Epidemiological Society of Maryland, and corresponding member of the Gynæcological Society of Boston, Massachusetts. Ile edited the Oglethorpe Medical and Surgical Journal for three years. He is also a mem- ber of several other literary and scientific societies. Dur- ing the late civil war, he served as surgeon in the Confed- erate army. Ile married, October 31, 1844, Miss Ade- laide, youngest daughter of the late Hon. John Dozier, of Williamsburg, South Carolina. She died December 24, 1874, leaving two children. Ou December, 15, 1877, lie married Miss Florence, daughter of the Hon, C. W. New- ton, of Norfolk, Virginia.

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The Biographical cyclopedia of representative men of Maryland and District of Columbia Pt. 1, Part 26

Author: National Biographical Publishing Co. 4n Publication date: 1879 Publisher: Baltimore : National Biographical Pub. Co. Number of Pages: 844

Author: National Biographical Publishing Co. 4n
Publication date: 1879
Publisher: Baltimore : National Biographical Pub. Co.
Number of Pages: 844