Biographical and genealogical history of the state of Delaware, Vol. I, Part 114

Author: Runk, J.M. & Co
Publication date: 1899
Publisher: Chambersburg, Pa.
Number of Pages: 1482


USA > Delaware > Biographical and genealogical history of the state of Delaware, Vol. I > Part 114


Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).


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BIOGRAPHICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA


Presley Ford. Mr. Ford was never an office seeker and never held office. Presley Ford married Ellen Melvin, of Duck Creek hundred. Their children were: I. Mary (Mrs. Joseph H. Amberson), died on Sever- son's Neck, had children, i. Mary L. (Mrs. Washington Wrench), ii. John, resides near Smyrna, married Mary Biddle, iii. Ella (Mrs.


· Benjamin Matherford), of Smyrna, iv. Emma (Mrs. John Biddle), of Wilmington, v. Jos- eph II., married Harriet Bacon, died in Ches- ter, Pa., vi. Alice ( Mrs. Ira Collius), of Clay- ton, Del .; II. Matthew, farmer, of Duck Creek hundred, whose family is described in connection with the sketch of his son, Matthew V. Ford; III. Rebecca (Mrs. Louis Anderson), deceased, had children, i. Lucy, ii. William; IV. Elizabeth (Mrs. John Golds- boro), of Smyrna, had children, i. Maria, widow of Charles Smith, ii. John P., iii. Pres- ley H., iv. Mary (Mrs. John Price), v. Bing- ham; V. Anderson; VI. Owen, carpenter, of Wilmington, married Mary Harding, had children, i. Amanda (Mrs. Frank Moore), ii. Walter, iii. James, iv. Martha; VII. Presley, 2, farmer, of Duck Creek hundred; VIII. William II., farmer, of Duck Creek hundred; of these two gentlemen sketches are given with that of Matthew V. Ford; IX. Eliza (Mrs. Howard Urin), of near Kenton, had children, i. Mary E., deceased, ii. William, iii. Harris, iv. Harry, v. Charles, vi. Edward, vii. Elizabeth, viii. Lilian. Presley Ford died upon his farm; his widow survived him sev- eral years. Mr. Ford was an attendant upon the services of the M. E. church, and a liberal contributor to its treasury.


Anderson, second son of Presley Ford, re- sided near Kenton until he was five years old, when his parents removed to the farm in Bar- ren Hope, Kent county, now owned by Jesse Vane. He began his education in the old Severson's schoolhouse. There were few at- tractions there to give an impetus to the pupil in his work; the building was of logs, desti- tute of comforts, and the teachers were seldom competent, yet young Ford left that school with a fair mental equipment for the duties of his later life. He had continued there as a pupil until he was twenty-two years old, be- cause he had time to attend during the winter months only. When he was eight years of age, he was sent into the field to work, and guided the plow through the sandy soil of


the farm when he was able to take hold of the handles only by stretching his arms on a level with his head. He remained with his father until he was twenty-seven. After his mar- riage he settled on his present farm of 120 acres, which he leased from his father, and re- ceived as an inheritance on the death of the latter. Mr. Ford is a citizen of much worth and is appreciated in his community. He is an ardent Democrat.


On January 29, 1863, Anderson Ford was married to Lina, daughter of Nelson and Chanie (Armstrong) Morgan, and widow of Henry Keen: Their children are: I. Anna A. (Mrs. John B. Ford), of Queen Anne's county, Md .; II. Gardner, at home; III. Eliz- abeth G. (Mrs. Herman Stotts), of near Smyrna, has one child, Charles; IV. Lydia R., at home; V. Clara Beulah. Mr. Ford is a member of Severson's M. E. church.


The ancestors of Mrs. Ford, the Morgan family, were of Scotch extraction. Mrs. Ford by her first marriage, with Henry Keen, had two children: I. Thomas, at home; II. Mary, died young. Mr. Keen died at Severson's Neck.


MATTHEW V. FORD, P. O. Smyrna, Del., son of Matthew and Nancy (Williams) Ford, was born on Severson's Neck, Duck Creek hundred, Kent county, Del., Septem- ber 13, 1867.


His great-grandfather was Solomon Ford, a farmer of Kent county, Del., whose history is more fully given in connection with the sketch of Anderson Ford. Presley Ford was the eldest son of Solomon Ford, and grandfather of Matthew V. Ford. A sketch of his life also is found in connection with that of his son, Anderson Ford. He was a liberal contributor to the church and to all worthy movements, and was a leader in his commun- ity


Matthew Ford, second child and eldest son of Presley and Ellen (Melvin) Ford, was born on a farm near Kenton, April 10, 1830. When he was ten years old, his par- ents removed from this place to a leased farm in Barren Hope, Duck Creek hundred. After a few years, Presley Ford purchased two farms in the same hundred, and subsequently divided them into three tracts, which are now occupied respectively by William H., Presley and Anderson Ford, brothers of Matthew


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STATE OF DELAWARE


Ford. Matthew received a limited education, owing to the necessity of assisting in the culti- vation of his father's large property. Hle re- mained with his parents until 1854, and then leased the farm of G. W. Cummins. After ten years as a renter, he purchased the farm on which his son, John W. Ford, now resides. Ile is an honored citizen of the hundred. For many years Mr. Ford has been a Democrat, but now has a tendency to favor the Prohibi- tion party. On March 9, 1854, Matthew Ford married Nancy, daughter of John and Mary (Palmatory) Williams, born between Leipsic and Little Creek Landing, in 1835. Their children are: I. Mary Lydia, born March 1, 1855, married, in 1871, Ezekiel Slaughter, farmer, of New Castle county, has children, i. Ida, ii. Mary Emma (Mrs. John D). Reynolds), iii. Matthew F., iv. Hannah W., deceased, v. Idella, vi. Raynor W .; II. Charles G., born August 22, 1856, carpenter, of Wil- mington, married Susan Johnson, has chil- dren, i. Bertha, ii. Ada, iii. Leman E., iv. Mil- dred, v. Mary, vi. Edna; III. John W., born June 10, 1858, farmer, on homestead, mar- ried Ida Prettyman, has one child, Nellie; IV. Ida, born November 3, 1861, died April 22, 1863; V. Presley, 3, born February 24, 1866, died November 29, 1866; VI. Matthew V .; VII. Sarah, born August 15, 1869, died March 1, 1886; VIII. Rollins, born July 15, 18-, died August 27, 1878. Mrs. Ford died September 18, 1894, aged fifty-nine years. Mr. Ford has always been an active member of the M. E. church, and regular in his atten- dance upon the services. He has held a num- ber of offices in his congregation.


Matthew V. Ford was born on the home farm. He began his education at six years of age and attended school regularly until he was twelve. He was then called upon to assist in the work on the farm, and from that time until he was twenty, he spent only the winters in the school room. He farmed for his father until he was twenty-two, then pur- chased a farm from his father, and has since cultivated it for himself. Mr. Ford is one of the most promising young men of Duck Creek hundred, and is popular and esteemed. He is a member of Morning Star Lodge, No. 6, I. O. O. F., of Smyrna, and a Democrat. He is a member of Severson's M. E. church, musical director, assistant superintendent of the Sun- day school, and a steward in the congregation.


Presley Ford, 2, fourth son of Presley and Ellen (Melvin) Ford, was born on the George W. Cummins farm in what is known as Bar- ren Hope, Duck Creek hundred, August 18, 1841. There he passed his youth, attended school and learned the duties of the farmer. For a quarter of a century his home has been on the farm he now occupies. It consists of 112 acres under good cultivation. Mr. Ford has supported the Prohibition party since its organization, but does not take an active part in the campaigns. In 1875, Presley Ford was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Isaac and Lydia (Turner) Berry, of Duck Creek hun- dred. Their children are: 1. Clara A., at school; II. Mary L., at home; III. Mary Blanche, at school. Mr. Ford is a trustee and steward of the Severson's M. E. church.


William H. Ford, youngest son of Presley and Ellen (Melvin) Ford, was born on the farm near Barren Hope, was educated in dis- triet schools, and has been a resident of Duck Creek hundred during his entire life. Ile now resides on the homestead farm, be- queathed to him by his father. He married Priscilla Wrench. Their children are: I. Clarence; II. Lilly A .; III. Harry; IV. Lewis; V. Myrtle; VI. Roland. William H. Ford is a member of the M. E. church, and an esteemed citizen of the hundred in which he resides.


JOHN R. JEFFERSON, P. O. Smyrna, Del., son of Ephraim and Ruth H. (Red- streake) Jefferson, was born in Duck Creek hundred, Kent county, Del., January 3, 1850.


Ilis paternal grandfather was an influential and prosperous farmer of Kent county. His children were: I. Elihu, an extensive farmer near Bethel church, married Eliza Ann Moore; II. Ephraim; III. Letitia (Mrs. Joseph Rey- nolds), died at her home near the Big Oak State road; IV. name unknown, emigrated to the west. Ephraim Jefferson, father of John R. Jefferson, was born in the district between Dutch and Whitehall Necks, Duck Creek hundred, about 1825. There he was reared and educated, and engaged in farming. Af- ter his marriage, he bought the farm in Duck Creek hundred now owned by Joseph Robin- son, and resided there until his death. Mr. Jefferson owned extensive tracts of land and was a man of commanding influence in his community. He had exceptional judg.


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BIOGRAPHICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA


ment and ability in business matters, and was frequently consulted as to the investments of his neighbors. Ile was an exemplary Chris- tian. Ephraim Jefferson was married to Ruth Il. Redstreake. Their children are: 1. Charles, farmer, of near Chestertown, Md., married Margaret Hill, and has several chil- · dren; II. Thomas, farmer, of near Compton, Md .; III. John R. Ephraim Jefferson died on his farm about 1877; Mrs. Jefferson died about 1871; both were buried in the M. E. churchyard at Smyrna.


.Jolin R. Jefferson was born on his father's farm, now owned by Joseph Robinson. He attended the public schools of the hundred, and during his vacations aided his father in the cultivation of his large farm. Ile re- mained with his father until he was twenty- two years old, and then leased a farm and be- gan tilling its soil. After his marriage Mr. Jefferson removed to Chester, Pa., and was there employed at various occupations for five years. Then he returned to Duck Creek hun- dred, and was engaged in farming on Dutch Neck for eight years. Afterward he rented and cultivated the Stephen Slaughter place, between Dover and Leipsic, for a year, and then, in 1891, leased his present home of 200 acres. He raises principally grains, and his farm is among the best tilled and most produc- tive in Central Delaware. He is a Republi- can, intensely loyal to his party.


On March 23, 1875, John R. Jefferson was married to Mary A., daughter of Titus I. and Margaret H. (Fowler) Hobbs, of Duck Creek hundred. Their children are: I. J. Thomas, at home; II. Margaret; III. Augusta; IV. Harry; V. Beulah; VI. Nora. Mr. Jefferson is a member of Raymond's M. E. church.


DAVID N. BOGGS, P. O. Smyrna, Kent county, Del., was born on the Donahue farm, in Kent county, Del., May 14, 1851.


When David N. Boggs was an infant, his father removed from the Donahue to the George Davis farm, situated near Cecilton, Cecil county, Md. At the age of six, David became a pupil in the schools of that county, and being a diligent student, made good pro- gress during the two winter terms which he spent in the school, which was, for the greater part of the time, in charge of Miss Martha Biddle. At fourteen Mr. Boggs began to sup- port himself, and until he reached his twenty-


seventh year was hired as a farm laborer, re- ceiving from twelve to eighteen dollars per month. Until he attained his majority, his earnings were dutifully given to his father. During the winter terms he was permitted to attend school, and he gladly availed himself of this privilege until he was twenty. At the age. of twenty-one, Mr. Boggs returned to Kent county, Del., and at twenty-six began farming for himself on the Benjamin Blackston place, in Kenton hundred, Kent county, Del., where he remained for one year. Mr. Boggs was a lessee for some years: he farmned the James Crawford property, in Kenton hundred; a peach farm owned by David Cummins; a farm in the slate land; and the William Denny place, near Leipsic, Del. In 1895, he re- moved to his present home, the Louisa Cum- mins property, a fertile farm of 230 acres, sit- uated near Severson's Church, Duck Creek hundred, Kent county, Del. Mr. Boggs is a successful farmer and raises large crops of cereals. He is a Democrat, interested in pub- lic affairs, but has never desired political honors, preferring the peaceful quiet of his country home to the anxiety and uncertainity of public life. He is highly esteemed by his fellow citizens for his ability and integrity. .


David N. Boggs was married, April 3, 1878, to Fanny, daughter of George W. and Deborah (Berry) Knotts, of Kenton hundred, Kent county, Del. Their children are: I. Ethel K. (Mrs. Clarence Ford), of New C'as- tle county, Del .; II. J. Frank. Mr. Boggs is a devout Christian, and an active worker in the congregation at Severson's M. E. church.


THEODORE MANNON, P. O. Smyrna, Del., son of James and Elizabeth (Wall-) Mannon, was born in Blackbird hundred, New Castle county, Del., in 1846.


Ilis father, James Mannon, was of Irish de- scent, and was born in New Castle county, about 1790. Hle was a farmer all his life. He married Elizabeth, daughter of James and Annie F. Walls, born in Sussex county, but a resident of New Castle county at the time of her marriage. Their children were: I. John, married Miss Davis, died in Millington, Kent county, Md .; II. Lydia, married Thomas Travis, both deceased; III. George, of Middle- town, Del., married Sarah Lighteap, deceased; IV. Alfred T., farmer, of near Newark, Del., married first Mary A. Whitecroft, secondly


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Gertrude Burns; V. Theodore; VI. Elizabeth (Mrs. John Slyhoff), of Wilmington. James Mannon died in Blackbird hundred about


of wheelwright and general mechanic. After his marriage he removed to Caroline county and engaged in farming in addition to follow- 1837; his widow died on the Cummins farm, - ing his trade. Mr. Stevens had a brother, near Smyrna, in 1889.


The father of Theodore Mannon died when the latter was a boy, and his mother removed with the five children who remained at home, from Blackbird hundred to Duck Creek hun- dred, Kent county, and settled on a farm near Smyrna. Theodore Mannon attended the public schools in winter, being enrolled among the Smyrna pupils for four years; during the summer months he was employed on the farm. Until he was twenty-two years old he re- mained with his mother, and then rented the farm of G. W. Cummins, on which he resided for twenty-one years. The farm was known as the Lebanon farm, and consists of 310 acres. In 1890 Mr. Mannon purchased the Hum- phries farm, and divided it into two tracts. In 1893 he bought the Windle farm, on which he now resides. Each of these farms comprises 310 acres. Mr. Mannon is a self-made man, successful, and of high repute. He is a mem- ber of Harmony Lodge, No. 13, F. & A. M., of Smyrna. In his political views he is a Re- publican, and is an active worker in behalf of his party.


On February 8, 1877, Theodore Mannon was married to Ella, daughter of Robert and Hettie (Prettyman) Mitchell, of Kent county. Their children are: I. Edith W., school teacher; II. Franklin M .; III. Mary G .; V. Katharine; V. Wilson C .; VI. Elsie L. Mr. Mannon is a consistent member of the M. E. church and labors diligently for its welfare.


ELIJAH W. STEVENS, P. O. Smyrna, Del., son of John and Elizabeth (Williamson) Stevens, was born in Caroline county, Md., near the Delaware line, April 7, 1840.


The Stevens family is of English descent. The great-grandfather of Elijah W. Stevens was born in England, and was commander of a body of British troops during the Revolu- tionary War. After he had surrendered to Washington at Yorktown, he crossed the Chesapeake Bay, and going northward in Maryland, settled in Caroline county. There his descendants resided for many years.


John Stevens, father of Elijah W. Stevens, was born in Maryland, and learned the trade


James, who went to California, and made his home there; he also had a sister, Mrs. Joseph Richardson, of Maryland. John Stevens mar- ried Elizabeth Williamson, who lived near the Maryland line, and was a sister of Sheriff Wil- liamson, of Kent county, Md. Their children were: I. William, farmer, of Talbot county, Md., married Mary Cooper; II. Sarah, of Camden, Del .; III. John Wesley, farmer, of Camden, Del., married Sarah Townsend; IV. Charles, deceased, was a druggist in Denton, Md., married Susan Kemp, had children, i. Kemp, attorney-at-law, of Denton, ii. Charles, of Denton; V. Ennols, died in Kent county, Del., at the age of twenty-two; VI. James, died at the age of five; VII. Willis, farmer, re- ·moved to Indiana in 1858; VIII. Elijah W .; IX. Celia, of Caroline county, Md. John Stevens died at Union Corners, Caroline county, Md., near the Delaware line, in 1848; his widow died in 1879.


When Elijah W. Stevens was a lad of only seven years, he was employed in farm work by Bennett Todd, of Caroline county. After a short time he went over into Kent county, Del., and worked for Mr. Maloney and subse- quently for Mr. Cahall. From his first em- ployer he received only his clothing and boarding; from the other he received twenty dollars per year and his board. In his early youth he attended school during two winter months of each year. On Sunday, he and boys of the neighborhood walked six or seven miles to church. They made the journey bare foot until within a short distance of the sanct- mary; then they put on their shoes, which they had carried suspended over their shoulders by a string throughout the long tramp. From Mr. Cohall's, Mr. Stevens went to ex-United States Senator Eli Saulsbury, and managed one of his farms for two years. Then he worked for two years for Martin Smith, and a year for an uncle. After leaving this last place he learned tinsmithing, and was em- ployed by George Stetson, of Camden, Del., for five years at thirty dollars per year. All this time he was saving his money, with the intention of engaging in business for himself.


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War broke out. He enlisted in Company D, First Regiment, Delaware Volunteer Infan- try, in 1861, for three months service. Ile was mustered in at Dover. The troops with which he saw service were stationed on Bush River, in Maryland, to defend the bridges. There Mr. Stevens was mustered out, at the expiration of his term of enlistment. He re- turned to his home and resumed his trade, which he carried on first in Camden, after- wards in Philadelphia. In 1862 he re-en- listed, this time as a musician in the band of the Third Delaware Regiment. He was with the organization in Virginia for eighteen months; then the order for the discharge of the bands was received, and Mr. Stevens returned to Philadelphia, where he again took up tin- smithing. He received good wages, often making three or four dollars per day, of which he saved the greater part. In 1863 he re- moved to Dover, and worked at his trade. In 1864 Mr. Stevens was drafted, illegally he has always thought, and paid one thousand dollars to send a substitute, but not because of lack of patriotism. Soon afterward he enlisted in Company D, Seventh Regiment, Delaware Volunteer Infantry, as a private, for one month. He was stationed at Cockeysville, Md., and participated in a skirmish with the Confederates there. During his service in the army, he was in the battles of Harper's Ferry, Slaughter's Mountain and Antietam. After the war Mr. Stevens secured employ- ment in Dover. About 1880 he purchased and removed to the Donohoe home farm in Duck Creek hundred. Mr. Stevens has been industrious and thrifty ; he enjoys the esteem of all who know him. He is a member of Amity Lodge, F. & A. M., of Dover. IIis political views are Democratic.


On February 22, 1871, Elijah W. Stevens was married to Josephine, daughter of Benja- min and Marion B. (Shain) Donohoe, born in Smyrna, Del. Their children are: I. Marion E. (Mrs. Thomas Coverdale), music teacher, of Smyrna; II. James Edmond, printer, of Smyrna. Mr. Stevens attends the Presbyter- ian church.


CAPTAIN JOSEPHI B. BENSON, P. O. Smyrna, Del., son of Benjamin and Maria (Shewell) Benson, was born in Smyrna, March 18, 1830.


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came from England and settled in Maryland at an early period. They were persons of prominence. Benjamin Benson, grandfather of Captain Benson, was born in Cecil county, Md., and resided there all his life. Hle was :: well to do farmer and a leader in his commun- ity. Ilis children were: I. Benjamin, 2; II. Mary (Mrs. Greenwood), her husband's prop- erty at Georgetown, Md., was burned by the British invaders in the War of 1812; III. Jolin, died in Smyrna; IV. Thomas, died in Cecil county, Md .; V. James, died in Cecil county; VI. Rosetta (Mrs. Lusby), died in Washington, D. C .; VII. Nancy (Mrs. Price), of Cecil county, Md., and perhaps others, of whom there is now no record.


Benjamin Benson, 2, father of Captain Benson, was born in Cecil county, Md., in 1793. Early in life he went to Smyrna, Del., where he learned carriage making as an ap- prentice, and was afterward engaged in the business for thirty years. He was a soldier in the War of 1812. He had great business abil- ity, and was highly esteemed for his many good characteristics. In politics he was, in his earlier days, an old line Whig; afterward he identified himself with the Republican party. Benjamin Benson, 2, married, in Smyrna, Maria, daughter of Captain Robert Shewell, born and reared in Philadelphia. Robert She- well was a noted sea captain; his sister, Eliza- beth, married Benjamin West, the celebrated artist, in London in 1765. Benjamin Benson, 2, had the following children: I. Charles E., born in 1813, died in Brooklyn, N. Y., in 1868, married Mary Pise, of Baltimore, Md .; II. Hepburn S., born in 1814, died in 1869, married Annie Price, of Cecil county, Md., was proprietor of the National Hotel, of Washington, D. C., at the time of his death; III. Benjamin, 3, born in 1816, died in Smyrna, in 1822; IV. Louisa (Mrs. William R. Calhoun), born in 1817, died in Smyrna in 1851; V. Mary, born in 1819, died young ; VI. Rebecca (Mrs. Joseph Carrow), born in 1821, died in Smyrna, in 1863; VII. Caro- line, born in 1822, died young; VIII. Al- phonso, born in 1824, died in 1846; IX. Benjamin, 4, born in 1826, was accident- ally killed by a mill wheel at the age of seven; X. Robert S., born in 1828, died in infancy; XI. Joseph B. Benjamin Benson, 2, died at the residence of his last named son, in 1863; his wife had died several years before, in


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Smyrna; both were buried in the old M. E. churchyard in that town. They were mem- bers of the M. E. church.


Joseph B. Benson was reared in Smyrna. He attended the public schools of that place, and obtained a good education. When he was sixteen, he was apprenticed at carriage-mak- ing in Smyrna, and continued in the business as a journeyman and proprietor until 1862, when he was appointed keeper of the Bombay Hook Lighthouse. He was a member of the Sixth Regiment, Delaware Home Guards, but because of his appointment was not called upon for military duty. For thirty-six years, Captain Benson has had charge of the light house, one of the most important along the Delaware Bay, and has proved a capable, faithful public servant. Of necessity he has had severe experiences, which have tested his ability and courage to the utmost, but he has never shirked a duty and never failed in ac- complishing it. He is the oldest light-house keeper in the service. Captain Benson has in his possession a slipper which was worn by his grandmother Shewell at a ball given in honor of President Washington, in Philadelphia, and it is, of course, highly prized as an heir- loom. Captain Benson is a Republican, hav- ing become a member of that party after the dissolution of the Whig organization.




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