Biographical and genealogical history of the state of Delaware, Vol. I, Part 62

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 62

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).

On the 14th of August, 1867, in the New- ark M. E. church, by Rev. John Shields, Charles Leak was married to Henrietta, daughter of John and Mary J. (Burnite) Gamble, born in Cecil county, Md., and one of nine children. They had children: I. Howard, machinist, of Newark, Del., mar- ried Mary Lutton; II. Charles W., of the P., W. & B. R. R. shops, Wilmington, married Mary Pear; III. Walter, machinist, of New- ark; IV. Ida ( Mrs. John Wilson), of Penca- der hundred; V. Wilmer, machinist, of New- ark; VI. George, machinist of Newark; VII. Henry, at home; VIII. Edward, at home. Mr. Leak and family are members of the M. E. church.

The parents of Mrs. Leak were born in Cecil county, Md. Mr. Gamble was a shoe- maker; both he and his wife were buried in the M. E. churchyard at Newark, Del.

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STATE OF DELAWARE

GEORGE M. D. HART, Townsend, New Castle county, Del., son of Garrett M. and Ann Zellah ( Willis) Hart, was born at what is now Fairlee, Kent county, Md., August 20, 1844.

The Hart family is of English descent. Garrett M. Hart, father of George M. D). 'Hart, was born and educated in New Castle county, Del., where he served his apprentice- ship, becoming a skilled blacksmith. Mr. Hart afterwards removed to Kent county, Md., and opened a smithy near Tolchester. HIe was a good workman, and the forge was never idle. Diligent and thrifty, Mr. Hart was soon able to purchase a small farm which he cultivated and greatly improved. With characteristic enterprise, he soon afterwards opened a drug store on the farm, which was liberally patronized, and was a financial suc- cess. Mr. Hart was highly esteemed for his honesty and good judgment. For more than twenty years he was justice of the peace, and discharged the duties of his office promptly and conscientiously, his judgments giving general satisfaction. Mr. Hart was a firm sup- porter of the principles of Democracy as ex- pounded by Thomas Jefferson, and was inter- ested in every movement which he thought would benefit the community. Garrett M. Hart was married near Chestertown, Kent county, Md., to Ann Zellah Willis, a native of Kent county, Md. Their children are: I. William, a graduate of the Law Department of Washington College, Maryland, died at West Point, Va., from the effects of hardships . endured while serving in the Confederate army; II. James Austin, killed by Indians in Washington Territory in 1862; III. George M. D .; IV. Henrietta, widow of J. H. Parris, M. D., of Middletown, Del .; V. Walter, dealer in livestock; VI. Garrett J., of Wil- mington, Del .; VII. Wesley, deceased; VIII. Mary A., married Andrew Reynolds, ticket agent and telegraph operator at Golts, Md. ; IX. Edward, farmer and lumber merchant, Townsend, Del. Mr. Hart died at his home near Chestertown, Md., in 1876, and is bur- ied in the cemetery of the St. Paul's P. E. church, in Kent county, Md. His widow died at Townsend, Del., and is buried in the cemetery at Emanuel's church, in Townsend.

George M. D. Hart received no school training beyond that which could be obtain- ed in the public schools of Kent county, Md.,

which were at the time poorly equipped. George was, however, an intelligent lad, and a diligent student. Thrown upon his own resources, he was forced to rely almost en- tirely upon reading and observation. He thus acquired habits of patient and independent thought which afterwards proved invaluable. He remained at home, assisting his father on the farm and at the forge, until he was seven- teen. In 1863 Mr. Hart removed to Town- send, Del., and for five years was employed in the store of S. & R. Townsend, devoting his evenings to study. In 1868 he was appointed station agent for the P., W. & B. R. R., at Townsend. Mr. Hart held this important po- sition for two years, performing his duties promptly and efficiently, and giving satisfac- tion to the company and to its patrons. In 1874, having accumulated a small capital, Mr. Hart began business as a dealer in grain and coal in Townsend. Honest dealing, striet attention to the needs of customers, and sound judgment, have enabled him to build up a profitable trade. A pleasant, unassuming manner makes him a general favorite. Pro- gressive and enterprising, he is interested in every movement which he believes will ad- vanee the interests of the district. For years he has been president of the board of school directors, and has striven earnestly to increase the educational facilities of the county. Mr. Hart is a Democrat, interested in local poli- tics. As trustee of the poor and a member of the town council, he has brought to the ser- vice of the public the intelligence and integ- rity which have made him successful in pri- vate life.

George M. D. Hart was married at Town- send, Del., in 1870, to Mary E., daughter of William and Hannah (Packard) Daniel, a retired farmer residing in Townsend. Mrs. Hart was born in Appoquinimink hundred. Their children are: I. James Austin; IT. H. Allen, assistant book-keeper in his father's of- fice, born in 1879, attended the public schools of Townsend, Del., and graduated from Gol- dey's Business College in 1896.

James Austin Hart was born in 1873. He attended the public schools of the district and completed his education at Goldey's Business College, graduating in 1893. He is an able accountant, and is employed in his father's office in Townsend. Like his father, he is a member of the Democratic party. James

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Austin Hart was married in 1892, to Elva A., daughter of W. W. Naylor. Their children are: I. James A .; II. Dallas MI. George M. D. Hart is a member of the M. E. church, and since 1874 has been one of its trustees. He is an active worker, and has been a teacher in the Sunday School for a quarter of a century. At present he is assistant superintendent of "the school.

The Daniel family, to which Mrs. George M. D. Hart belongs, is of English descent; its name appears upon the roll of the earliest set- tlers of old Virginia. Mrs. Hart's great- grandfather was the owner of large planta- tions situated near Richmond, Va. Her grandfather, Abraham Daniel, was born on his father's plantation near Richmond. He received an excellent education and remained with his father until he reached manhood. Mr. Daniel afterwards removed to Delaware. He brought his slaves with him and purchased a large tract of land in Sussex county, where he spent the remainder of his life. Mr. Dan- iel was a Democrat, an ardent admirer of Thomas Jefferson, a kind-hearted Christian gentleman, he was beloved and honored in the community. Abraham Daniel was mar- ried in Sussex county, Del., to Mary Hick- man, of Sussex county. Their children are: I. Joshua; II. George, died in youth; IIL. William, died in youth; IV. James H., jewe- ler, died in Philadelphia, Pa .; V. Jacob; VI. Mary, married first to Joshua Bennett, and afterwards to Thomas Scaggs; VII. Stockley, died in youth; VIII. Elizabeth, married Na- thaniel Ingram, both deceased; IX. William; X. David, deceased. Mr. Daniel and his wife were members of the Episcopal church. Both died and are buried in Sussex county.

Mrs. Hart's father, William Daniel, was Dorn in Sussex county, in 1818. He was edu- cated in the public schools of his native coun- ty, and remained at home until he was eigh- teen. In 1836 Mr. Daniel removed to New Castle county, Del., and purchased a farm of 140 acres in Appoquinimink hundred. For forty-nine years Mr. Daniel cultivated this land, on which he made many improvements, building a dwelling house, barn, and suitable outbuildings, and planting a large peach or- chard. In 1885, he rented the farm, and re- moving to his present home in Townsend, re- tired from active business, and now enjoys the fruits of his years of labor. He is inter-

ested in local affairs and is a member of the Democratic party.

William Daniel was married, in Appoquin- imink hundred, to Hannah, daughter of Henry and Susan (Lancaster) Packard, who was born in Appoquinimink hundred. Of their nine children, three died in infancy. Those living are: I. Stockley, a farmer: II. . William, deceased; III. Mary E. (Mrs. George M. D. Hart); IV. Andrew F., died in youth; V. William, 2, died in youth; VI. Ly- dia S. (Mrs. Frank Rhine), of Townsend. Mr. Daniel and his wife were members of the M. E. church; she died in 1588. Mr. Daniel is an active worker in the church, and was for some time trustee and steward.

THOMAS A. ENOS, M. D., Townsend, New Castle county, Del., son of Thomas T. and Ann (Humphreys) Enos, was born at Odessa, St. George's hundred, New Castle county, Del., October 6, 1554.

Thomas T. Enos was born near Smyrna, Del., in August, 1817, and learned cabinet- making with Alexander Ferris, in the same place, where he remained until 1840; he then removed to Odessa and began business as an undertaker and cabinetmaker. This venture was so successful that he built a home in which to spend the remainder of his life. Mr. Enos was a good citizen, highly esteemed in the community. In youth he was a Whig, but later identified himself with the Republican party. Thomas T. Enos was married in Smyrna, March 30, 1841. to Ann, daughter of Joseph Humphreys, of Smyrna. She was born in Smyrna, October 29, 1520. Their children are: I. Joseph, an undertaker in Odessa; IT. Sarah, died aged twenty: III. Abraham, died in infancy; IV. Thomas _1. Mr. Enos and his wife were members of the M. E. church; she died in Odessa in June, 1883. Mr. Enos died at the same place in 1889; both are buried in the cemetery of the M. E. church in Odessa.

Thomas A. Enos attended the public schools of Odessa and a private school taught by Prof. James H. Groves. He remained at home and read medicine under Dr. W. N. Hamilton. In 1576 he entered Jefferson Medical College at Philadelphia, Pa., grad- uating in 1-79. After his graduation. Dr. Enos returned to Delaware, and received the appointment of resident physician to the New

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Castle county almshouse and hospital for the insane. After filling this position for one year, he removed to his present home in Townsend, Appoquinimink hundred, and be- gan the practice of his profession. His ser- vices are in constant demand in a territory of more than twelve miles in circuit. His kind heart and genial manner have made him a general favorite, and his professional skill has won the confidence and respect of the com- munity. Dr. Enos is practical and progres- sive, a member of the State Medical Society, and of the board of health of Townsend; he is also one of the school commissioners of the town. He belongs to the Republican party and to the K. of G. E., the Red Men, the .Ir. O. U. A. M., and I. O. II.

Thomas A. Enos was married December 8, 1886, in Townsend, Appoquinimink hun- dred, to Martha E., daughter of John Staats, a farmer of that hundred. They have one child, Thomas S., who was born in 1890. Mr. Enos and his wife are members of the M. E. church.

WILLIAM A. SCOTT, P. O., Townsend, New Castle county, Del., son of William and Angeline (Lattomus) Scott, was born in the old homestead of Bishop Scott, in Appoquini- mink hundred, New Castle county, Del., Feb- ruary 5, 1853.

The Scott family is Irish by descent. Mr. Scott's great-great-grandparents, Thomas and Lydia Scott, were natives of Ireland. His great-grandfather, the Rev. Thomas Scott, was married to Anne (March) Latto- mus, widow of John Lattomus, March 22, 1796. The parents of Mrs. Scott were emigrants from England who had settled in Kent county, Del. _ The children of Thomas and Anne Scott are: I. Thomas, died in 1874, aged seventy-four; II. Sarah, died in child- hood; III. Levi Scott, A. M., D. D., late sen- ior bishop of the Methodist Episcopal church in the United States. He was born in Kent county, Del. Bishop Scott was a profound theologian, and eminent historian, and an elo- quent speaker, remarkable for his power in the pulpit. He was elected to the bishopric of the Methodist Episcopal Church at Bog- ton, Mass., in 1852. A fuller account of his life is found elsewhere in this work.

in New Castle county, Del. He owned and cultivated a farm of 150 acres in Appoquini- mink hundred, on which he made many im- provements. Mr. Scott was an intelligent farmer, honorable and upright in business, and a good citizen, whose kindly manner made him popular in the community. During the latter part of his life, he retired from business and removed to Townsend, Del. Mr. Scott was a Whig, but afterwards identified himself with the Republican party. He was promi- nent in political circles and served as conmis- sioner of the Levy Court of New Castle coun- ty. Thomas Scott was married twice ; by his first marriage he had one child, William. The first Mrs. Scott died at her home in New C'astle county ; she is buried in the cemetery at the old Union church. The children of the second marriage are: I. Thomas L., janitor of the court house at Wilmington, Del; II. Annie (Mrs. Edward Silcox), of Philadelphia, Pa. Mr. Scott and his wife were members of the M. E. church. Both died, and are buried in the cemetery at old Union church.

William Scott was born at the old Scott homestead, February 3, 1825. He grew up on the home farm, attending the public schools of the district, and learning farming under his father's careful supervision. Mr. Scott began farming for himself on rented land in Appoquinimink hundred, but after- wards removed to his present home in Middle- town, St. George's hundred. Mr. Scott is a member of the Democratic party, actively in- terested in local affairs; a good citizen, anx- ious to advance the interests of the commun- ity. William Scott was married in Appo- quinimink hundred, to Angeline, daughter of Robert McC. and Margaret (Price) Latto- mus, of Appoquinimink hundred. Their chil dren are: I. William A .; II. Margaret (Mrs. John T. Smith); III. Thomas, express man- ager of the P., W. & B. R. R .; IV. Clarence, agent of Adams Express Company at Middle- town, Del .; V. Laura K .; VI. Elizabeth; VII. Andreas, died in youth. Mr. William Scott, his wife and family are members of the M. E. church.

William A. Scott was educated in the pub- lic schools of Appoquinimink hundred. He remained at home, working with his father on the farm, until he was seventeen. On leav- ing home he secured a position as clerk in his uncle's store in Clayton, Kent county, Del.

Thomas Scott, grandfather of William Scott, was born on the old Scott homestead Four years afterwards, he returned to New

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Castle county, and for five years taught in the public schools of Appoquinimink hundred. In 1879 Mr. Scott opened a store near Tay- lor's Bridge, Appoquinimink hundred. In 1882 he sold his stand and removed to Town- send, where he engaged in business as a gen- eral merchant. Close attention to the wants of customers and good judgment in buying · had enabled him to build up a profitable bus- iness, when, in 1890, his whole establishment was destroyed by fire. Although crippled by this heavy loss, Mr. Scott rebuilt his store, and bravely bent his energies to the work of re- pairing his finances. In the autumn of 1892 Mr. Scott was elected commissioner of the Levy Court of New Castle county for a term of four years. He accordingly sold his store and devoted his whole time to his office. The board of commissioners made Mr. Scott its president; and so efficiently and acceptably did he perform the duties devolving upon him that at the end of his term he was re-elected, both to the office and the presidency. In Sep- tember, 1895, Mr. Scott was appointed by President Cleveland postmaster of Townsend, Del., and has held this responsible position for four years, giving entire satisfaction by the consideration and promptness which have characterized his administration. He is an active and efficient worker in the ranks of Democracy. His fellow-citizens have shown their confidence in his judgment and ability by electing him a member of the board of school commissioners, and of the town coun- cil. Mr. Scott is secretary of the Building and Loan Association of Townsend. He is also a member of the A. O. U. W., of Middle- town, Del; and of the Jr. O. U. A. M., of Odessa, Del. Mr. Scott is an energetic and progressive business man, and besides his other interests owns and cultivates a farm of 175 acres in Appoquinimink hundred on which he raises fine fruit; he also deals in horses, and pays particular attention to the quality of his live stock. Mr. Scott is an in- telligent man, whose benevolent disposition and affable manner have made him very pop- ular.

William A. Scott was married in St. George's hundred, September 15, 1876, to Sarah E., daughter of Stringer S. and Sarah J. (Townsend) Tinley. Mrs. Scott's father was a farmer of Appoquinimink hundred, Scotch by descent. The children of William

A. and Sarah E. (Tinley) Scott are: I. Nina G., teacher of vocal and instrumental music, who gives liberally of her time and talents to the M. E. church of Townsend, as a member of the church choir, and as organist of the Sunday school: H. Stringer Tinley, at school; III. William L., artist, at home. Mr. Scott and his family are members of the M. E. church.

ANDREW E. SKAGGS, P. O., Town- send, New Castle county, Del., son of Wil- liam and Mary (Hawkins) Skaggs, was born in Appoquinimink hundred, on the farm on which he now resides, April 30, 1861.

The Skaggs family is of English descent. Mr. Skaggs' great-grandfather, Isaac Skaggs, was born near London, England, and when a young man, emigrated to America, seeking a home in the far new land. He settled on a farm in Salem county, N. J., where he spent the rest of his life. His son, John Skaggs, grandfather of Andrew E. Skaggs, was born in Salem county, N. J. In 1801 John Skaggs removed to Delaware, and purchased 137 1-2 acres of land in Appoquinimink hundred, paying $1,500, and counting out that amount in gold dollars. Mr. Skaggs devoted his time to raising grain and to general farming, mak- ing many improvements in the property. Mr. Skaggs was an old line Whig. John Skaggs was married in Salem county, N. J., to Miss Fisher. Their children are: I. John; II. Thomas; III. William; IV. Catherine (Mrs. William Hamilton). Mrs. Skaggs died at the homestead, and is buried on the farm. Mr. Skaggs died on the farm in 1832, and is bur- ied beside his wife. The family are members of the M. E. church.

William Skaggs was born at the homestead in Appoquinimink hundred in 1812. He was educated in the public schools of the district and learned farming, working with his father until he was twenty-seven. In 1837, Mr. Skaggs visited Indiana and Ohio, making the entire journey on horseback. After spending two years in the west, he returned to the homestead, which he and his brother John cul- tivated in partnership. In 1846 Mr. William Skaggs bought the William Allee farm, sit- uated near the homestead. Mr. Skaggs was a careful and intelligent farmer, and greatly improved his property. He was an accurate observer, and devoted his leisure moments to

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STATE OF DELAWARE

reading and study. Kind and considerate at home and abroad, he was universally loved and respected. He was a Democrat; actively interested in local affairs, but never sought political preferment.

William Skaggs was married in Blackbird hundred, New Castle county, Del., to Mary, daughter of Richard Hawkins, a miller of Blackbird hundred. Mrs. Skaggs was a na- tive of Cumberland county, N. J. Their chil- dren are: I. Sarah F .; II. Martha J .; TIT. George W., a constable of Townsend, Del .; IV. Rebecca, deceased; V. Andrew E. The family are members of the M. E. church. Mr. Skaggs died at his home in Appoquinimink hundred in 1891, and is buried in Townsend cemetery. His widow resides at the home- stead. She is an estimable Christian woman, greatly beloved by her many friends. Being sorely afflicted, she has for several years never left her bed.

Andrew E. Skaggs received his education in the public schools of Appoquinimink hun- dred. Ile has devoted his life to the cultiva- tion of the soil, remaining on the homestead and caring dutifully and affectionately for his mother and sisters. He is an intelligent, scientific farmer, but has not confined his in- vestigations to subjects which pertain to his business. He is a thoughtful reader and a dil- igent student, interested not only in science, but in history, poetry and art. Nor does Mr. Skaggs neglect the study of current events; well-read, and an accurate observer, he is thor- oughly at home upon any of the important questions of the day. Mr. Skaggs is a member of the Democratic party, decided in his convictions and an active worker in the ranks. His ability and integrity are well-known and highly appreciated in the district. In 1892, he was elected commis- sioner of roads for Appoquinimink hundred, for a term of four years. The duties of his of- fice were so satisfactorily discharged that he was re-elected in 1897. At the age of sixteen years, Mr. Skaggs learned and practiced tel- egraphy. He has also learned the drug bus- iness, in which he has at the time of writing concluded to embark.

SAMUEL TOWNSEND, P. O., Town- send, New Castle county, Del., son of Samuel and Anna Martha (Hart) Townsend, was born in the village of Blackbird, New Castle county, Del., August 21, 1836.

The Townsend family, one of the oldest families of Delaware, is of English lineage, and belongs to the Society of Friends. The founders of the American branch of the fam- ily emigrated from England about the time when William Penn visited his colony in Pennsylvania. Mr. Townsend's great-grand- father, John Townsend, was born in Sussex county, Del. He learned coach-making, but afterwards became a sailor and, as captain, commanded his own vessel, which sailed from Leston's Landing. He married Sallie Les- ton, who inherited the Leston, afterwards known as the old Townsend estate. John Townsend died aged ninety; his wife died about the same time; both sleep in the Friends' burial place at Odessa, Del. Mr. Townsend's grandfather, Samuel Townsend, was born in Vance's Neck, St. George's hun- dred, New Castle county. He owned and cul- tivated 1,000 acres of land on which he made many improvements. He afterwards retired from active farm life and removed to Odessa, Del. He was a member of the Whig party. Samuel Townsend was married to Hannah Humphries. They had ten children, whose names, owing to the loss of family records, cannot be obtained. Mr. Townsend was true to the faith of his ancestors; he is buried in the Friends' burial place in Odessa.

Samuel Townsend, founder of the town of Townsend, and father of Samuel Townsend, was born at Vance's Neck, St. George's hun- dred, October 12, 1812. ITis educational ad- vantages were very limited. He attended the subscription schools of the district until he was eleven, and afterwards spent two winters at a private school; but the schools were poorly conducted, the terms were short, and the teachers inefficient. At the age of seven- teen, Samuel Townsend left the home farm on Vance's Neck, and in company with his brother, John, began working on the boats on the Schuylkill canal. He soon proved his efficiency and became a captain of a boat; he was afterwards captain of a coasting vessel, and when he abandoned the sea owned the vessel which he commanded. Returning to New Castle county, Mr. Townsend bought 400 acres of land, most of it covered with heavy timber, near Blackbird, Appoquini- mink hundred. He and his brother, John, cut and hewed masts and other timber for ves- sels, which they shipped to New York and Philadelphia. Here by his unremitting indus-

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try, promptness and reliability, Mr. Town- send laid the foundation for his future suc- cess. He cut the timber from which the well- known emigrant ships, the Tonawanda and the Georgia, of Philadelphia, were built. The brothers were very successful in their enter- prises, and kept fifty men constantly em- ployed. After felling the timber, Mr. Town- send improved the land, and having sold a part of it, opened a general store at Ginn's Corner, Appoquinimink hundred, still con- tinuing to deal in lumber. Mr. Townsend af- terward removed to the farm on which his son John now resides, and bought 300 acres of land, on a part of which stands the town that bears his name. He built the first house in what was to be Townsend. Mr. Townsend im- mediately began to improve his farm, erect- ing a comfortable dwelling, a barn and suit- able out buildings. At the same time he pur- chased the Davis property, now the home of his son, Samuel, a farm of 250 acres, situated near Townsend, Del. Mr. Townsend also owned 300 acres in Kent county, Del., and 300 acres in Somerset county, Md. Ile was one of the first, as well as one of the most pro- gressive fruit raisers and shippers of Dela- ware. Thoroughly acquainted with the science of fruit culture, Mr. Townsend spared neither labor nor expense in his efforts to im- prove the quality of the fruit and make the crops more abundant. His industry, patience and liberal management were amply reward- ed. He frequently shipped in a single season 40,000 baskets of peaches alone. The value to the state of such an industry can only be estimated by considering the number of em- ployees, and the healthful character of the work. Mr. Townsend's fair dealing and true benevolence won for him deserved popular- ity. His energy and enterprise blessed not only himself but all around him; it is said that no worthy object ever appealed to him in vain. Mr. Townsend was well-known as : Union Democrat. He was intelligent, well- read, and an eloquent speaker; his good judg- ment, self-reliance and force of character, made him one of the most prominent orators of that day. From early manhood, he was a member of most of the state conventions. Mr. Townsend was an uncompromising Union man, but opposed the enfranchisement of the negro, and was one of the organizers of the White Man's Party. He served in the state

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Biographical and genealogical history of the state of Delaware, Vol. I, Part 62

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

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