Biographical and genealogical history of the state of Delaware, Vol. I, Part 77

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 77

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ware. He has always held to the Democratic party, but has never sought an office.

In 1856, in Philadelphia, James Giffin, 2, was married to Margaret, daughter of Wil- liam and Jane (Hopple) Martin, and niece of ex-sheriff Martin, of Wilmington. She was born in Chester county, Pa. Their children are: I. Emma, died young; II. J. Robert, educated at Mount Pleasant school and now at home on the farm, married Laura Springer, has one child, Lilian, is a Democrat; III. Mary E., at home; IV. William, died young; V. Leander, died young. Mr. Giffin and fam- ily are members of the Presbyterian church.

LEWIS MILLER, P. O. Wooddale, New Castle county, Del., son of Jesse and Martha (Thompson) Miller, was born near Kennett Square, Chester county, Pa., October 29, 1827.

Jesse Miller, father of Lewis Miller, was of Scotch descent, and was born and educated in Kennett township, Chester county, Pa., where he owned and cultivated a large farm. He was a skilful Imisbandman, prudent and thrifty. During the latter part of his life, he retired from the management of the farm and removed to Kennett Square, where he built a comfortable dwelling, and spent the remainder of his life in improving and beau- tifying his home. Mr. Miller was a Whig, but afterwards identified himself with the Re- publican party. He was a good citizen, be- loved and esteemed by his friends and neigh- bors. Jesse Miller was married to Martha Thompson, who was a native of Kennett township, and of Seotch lineage. Their chil- dren are: I. Lewis; II. George, of Philadel- phia, Pa .; III. Mary (Mrs. James Thompson), of Philadelphia, Pa. Mr. Miller and his wife were members of the Society of Friends. Both died in Kennett Square, and are interre:l in the burial ground at the old Friends' meet- ing-house.

Lewis Miller attended the public schools of Chester county and completed his course at Kennett Square Academy under Professors Martin and Shortlidge. His youth and early manhood were spent in Kennett township. In 1862 Mr. Miller removed to Delaware, and purchased from John Hollensworth a farm of 105 acres situated in Mill Creek hundred, New Castle county. Mr. Miller greatly im- proved his property. He has built a large,

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handsome dwelling, planted shade and fruit · trees, and made his home and grounds not only comfortable and convenient, but very beautiful. Mr. Miller has not identified him- self with any political party, voting for the best men and the best measures, regardless of party lines. Ile is highly esteemed by the friends and neighbors, who appreciate his "benevolence and good judgment.

Lewis Miller was married in Norristown, Montgomery county, Pa., to Sarah Thomp- son, who was of Scotch descent, and a native of Montgomery county. Their children are: I. Jesse, farming the homestead, in Kennett township, Chester county, Pa .; II. Elizabeth, died in youth; III. Lewis, died in . youth. Mrs. Miller died at her home in Mill Creek hundred, in 1888; she is buried in the ceme- tery at Red Clay Creek Presbyterian church. Mr. Miller is a member of the Society of Friends.

CORNELIUS J. HORRIGAN, P. O. Wooddale, New Castle county, Del., son of Timothy and Catherine (Donovan) Horrigan, was born, in 1856, at Bantry, County Cork, Ireland.

Mr. Horrigan's father, Timothy Horrigan, was a farmer of County Cork, Ireland, where he was highly esteemed. He married Cathe- rine Donovan, also of County Cork. After his wife's death, in 1887, Mr. Horrigan emi- grated to America, and resided with his son, Cornelius J. Horrigan, at Mount Cuba, Mill Creek hundred, New Castle county, Del., where he died. Mr. Horrigan and his fam- ily were members of the Roman Catholic church. .

Cornelius J. Horrigan received his early education in the public schools of County Cork, Ireland. In 1866, he came to America with his uncle, James Donovan, who settled at Auburn, N. Y., and during his stay with his uncle, he attended the public schools of that place. After completing his course at the school of the Christian Brothers in Toronto, Canada, Mr. Horrigan returned to Auburn, N. Y., and learned stone cutting. From 1873 to 1880 he worked at this trade in various places among them Auburn, on the Buffalo and Jamestown R. R., and on the canal at Toronto, Canada. In 1880, he re turned to New York, and was employed on the stone work for the Capitol building in

Albany, N. Y. He also found work in New York City, and in Buffalo, N. Y. In 1984, Mr. Horrigan having secured a position as foreman with W. E. Warren, went to Vir- ginia, and remained until he resigned to ae- cept a similar position with a company at Wooddale, Mill Creek hundred, New Castle county, Del. In 1898 Mr. Horrigan resigned this position and became a contractor, dealing principally in stone work. He removed to his present home in Mount Cuba, New Castle county, Del., where he has a large and Inera- tive business. Mr. Horrigan is a sound Re- publican, and a stanch supporter of the prin- ciples of his party. He is well-read not only in the history of Ireland and other European countries, but in that of the United States. He is also an acute observer of current events, and talks intelligently on the leading topics of the day. Mr. Horrigan is, naturally, par- ticularly interested in the cause of education in his county and his work as a school director of New Castle county has been commended by the state board of education. Mr. Horri- gan and his family are members of the Ro- man Catholic church.

WILLIAM C. L. CARNAGY, Kirkwood, New Castle county, Del., son of Peter and Isabelle S. (Steel) Carnagy, was born at Hanby's Corners, Brandywine hundred, New Castle county, Del., February 12, 1856.

Mr. Carnagy's father, Peter Carnagy, the founder of the American branch of the fam- ily, was born in Scotland. His educational advantages were very limited. He was ap- prenticed to a blacksmith, and finally became a mechanical engineer. After his marriage, he and his bride emigrated to America, mak- ing the voyage in a sailing vessel, and landing at Philadelphia, Pa. For some time he found employment in Philadelphia as a farmer, but afterwards removed to Marcus Hook, now Linwood, and opened a forge of his own. Sev- eral years later he secured a position as a jour- neyman with the firm of Towney & Round, at Claymont, Del., and two years afterwards re- moved to Hanby's Corners, and again opened a smithy of his own. Mr. Carnagy next re- moved to Perrie Tavern, but after a four years' trial, he returned to Hanby's Corners, and five years after went to Talleyville, Del. In 1859, Mr. Carnagy removed to Chesa-

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peake City, Md., and in 1860, finally settled at Summit Bridge, Del. On the breaking out of the Rebellion, Mr. Carnagy enlisted as far- rier in the Sixth Pennsylvania Lancers, Com- pany F, Captain Mulligan, Colonel Rush. Af- ter serving for two years, he was injured by a kick of a vicious horse, sent to the army hos- pital, and six weeks later was honorably dis- charged. Three weeks of rest at his home at Summit Bridge so far restored Mr. Carnagy, that he re-enlisted at Wilmington, Del., as farrier in the First Delaware Cavalry, Com- pany B, Captain Corbit, Colonel Bird, and served until the close of the war. Returning to his home at Summit Bridge, Mr. Carnagy re-opened his smithy and was actively em- ployed until 1866, when he removed to Hare's Corner, New Castle hundred, New Castle county, Del., and there spent the re- mainder of his life. Mr. Carnagy was a ro- bust, stalwart man, but the exposure and hard- ships endured while in the army impaired his constitution.

He was a close student and an intelligent reader and thinker. He was highly esteemed for his industry and ability, and beloved for his kind heart and genial manner. He was a firm supporter of the Democracy, and al- though not an office seeker, was actively in- terested in local politics. Peter Carnagy was married in Ireland to Isabella S., daughter of Rev. Archibald Steel, a preacher of the M. E. church. Mrs. Carnagy was born in County Antrim, Ireland. Their children are: I. Alexander Patterson, died at Summit Bridge, in 1894; II. Mary Jane (Mrs. John Hamil- ton), of New Castle, Del .; III. James, died in youth, in Philadelphia, Pa .; IV. Isabella, died, aged fourteen; V. William C. L .; VI. · Alfred, confidential clerk with Ribbing & Sons, wire manufacturers, Trenton, N. J. Mr. Carnagy and his wife were members of the M. E. church. He died at his home at Hare's Corner, in 1888, and is buried in St. George's cemetery, in Red Lion hundred, New Castle county. His funeral was one of the largest ever seen in the district, friends from all parts of the state crowding to pay him their last token of respect. His widow was postmistress at Hare's Corner for twenty years, and for the last eight years has been postmistress at Kirkwood, Red Lion hundred, where she resides with her son William. She

is a devout Christian, and a tender, loving wife and mother.

William C. L. Carnagy attended the public schools of Brandywine hundred, and of Sum- mit Bridge. Having completed his education at the age of fourteen, William Carnagy be- gan work in his brother's smithy, and worked at the trade for two and a half years. Ile then began elerking in the store of J. T. Elia- son at Summit Bridge where he remained for some time, subsequently following the same occupation in the store of Charles Harris; clerked on a boat plying on the Behman river, carrying the peach crops to the Philadelphia markets during the fruit season, and lived with his brother, Alexander P., during the winter months; he also clerked for a while in the store of W. R. Bowman on King street, Wilmington, Del. In 1874 returned to Kirk- wood and engaged in mercantile pursuits, pur- chasing the business of Z. T. Harris. For ten years he was traveling salesman for Walter A. Wood, and different firms engaged in man- ufacturing agricultural implements. Al. though a large share of his earnings was given to his widowed mother, Mr. Carnagy was able by industry and strict economy to save a small sum each year, and in 1874 found himself the possessor of $75. His credit was good and he now determined to begin business for himself. Removing to Kirkwood, he opened a small store, starting with a debt. He had, however, self-reliance, courage, and un- remitting industry. His venture was a com- plete success and he was soon able to extend his business. His brother's establishment at Summit Bridge, with which he was identified, was the first factory built in Delaware outside of Wihnington. He deals extensively in bug- gies, farming implements and machinery, but makes a specialty of the manufacture of farm wagons. Besides this plant at Summit Bridge, Mr. Carnagy owns a fine store and dwelling house in Kirkwood, valued at $5,000. ITis ability, conscientious workman- ship, and honorable dealing have won the re- speet and confidence of the community. Mr. Carnagy is interested in local politics, and has identified himself with the Democratic party. In 1897 he was elected enrolling clerk of the House of Representatives of Delaware, and filled the office satisfactorily for two years. He is a member of Conclave No. 362, I. O. HI., Sunnit Bridge; of Buck Council, No. 18, Jr.

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O. U. A. M .; of Union Lodge No. 5, A. F. & A. M., Middletown; of St. John's Chapter, No. 1, St. John's Commandery, No. 1, K. T., Wilmington; of the Grand Lodge of Masons; Past Noble Grand of St. George National Lodge, No. 32, I. O. O. F .; and Past Grand Master of the State Lodge.

William C. L. Carnagy was married in - Philadelphia, June 5, 1875, to Beulah, daugh- ter of Charles L. Le Compt, a native of Kent county, Md. Their children are: I. Mary, at school; II. Isabella; III. William; IV. one unnamed, died in infancy. Mr. Carnagy is an active member of the M. E. church. He is particularly interested in Sunday school work and has given liberally of his time and money to serve the cause. He is trustee and libra- rian of the school, and for twenty-three years has been trustee and clerk for District No. 88.

Alexander Patterson Carnagy, brother of William C. L. Carnagy, was born at the home- stead, June 28, 1842. He attended the pub- lic schools of Brandywine hundred, New Cas- tle county, Del., and of Philadelphia, and be- came a blacksmith, learning his trade at his father's forge. During the war of the Re- bellion, he began business for himself at Sum- mit Bridge, Del. Mr. Carnagy soon turned his attention to the manufacture of farm wagons, and of fine buggies and carriages, and not only built satisfactory vehicles, but in- JOHN A. PATTERSON, P. O. Edge- moor, New Castle county, Del., son of Thomas and Margaret ( Maitland) Patterson, was born in Gallagherville, Chester county, Pa., February 4, 1832. vented several pieces of machinery of great use in the construction of farm wagons and various agricultural implements. During the war he enlisted for one hundred days, in the Ninth Delaware Volunteers. While on guard The early ancestors of Mr. Patterson wore of Scotch-Irish birth. His grandfather, John Patterson, was a native of Chester county, Pa., and there for many years followed his trade as a shoemaker. Afterwards he en- gaged in farming. In politics, he was a Fed- eralist. John Patterson married Lydia Bald- win; their children were: I. Thomas; II. Johnson; III. Ruth (Mrs. Johnson Marshall), died in Chester county, Pa .; IV. Hannah Chester county; and two who died in infancy. Mr. and Mrs. Patterson both died on their farm; they were of the Society of Friends. duty at Fort Delaware, he had an attack of erysipelas; this disease poisoned his system, and finally proved fatal. Mr. Carnagy was a member of the Democratic party, and served his district for several years as road commis- sioner, and as member of the board of school commissioners. IIe was a successful business man, thoroughly honorable and conscientious in all his dealings. Warm-hearted and gen- erous, a loving husband and father and a kind, . (Mrs. David Romans), died in Romansville, affectionate brother, Mr. Carnagy was be- loved and respected by the entire community. He was a member in good standing of the A. F. & A. M., the I. O. O. F., and the A. O. U. W .; also of St. John's Commandery and St. John's Chapter, K. T.

Alexander Patterson Carnagy was married in Talbot county, Md., January 11, 1872, to

Susan A., daughter of Charles and Mary J. (Casperson) Le Compt. Mrs. Carnagy was born in New Castle hundred, New Castle county, Del. She is a lady of fine personal appearance, intelligent and well educated. Their children are: I. William C., died in in- fancy; II. Leslie W., at school. Mr. Alexan- der Carnagy attended the M. E. church. He died very suddenly, October 30, 1893, at Trenton, N. J., whither he had gone to visit his brother; he was at the time apparently in his usual robust health, being a man of stal- wart figure and fine appearance. His death caused a painful shock to the community at Summit Bridge, "where he was known and loved by everybody." A good friend and neighbor, a kindly and cheerful companion, Mr. Carnagy was one of those whose loss is not easily forgotten. Ilis remains were in- terred in Saint George's cemetery, Red Lion hundred, with the solemn rites of the church and of the Masonic Order, the funeral cere- monies being witnessed by a large throng of friends and acquaintances. Since that time, the families of the brothers William C. L. and Alexander Carnagy have formed but one, doubly united by the strong attachment that subsisted between the brothers, and by the fact of their wives being sisters.

Thomas Patterson, father of John A. Pat- terson, was born on a farm in Chester county, Pa., was educated in a subscription school, and learned blacksmithing at Embreeville, in the same county. In his political views he

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a successful farmer. Having by prudence and close attention to business acquired a compe- tence, he retired from active life in 1880. Mr. Moore is one of the oldest citizens of Mill Creek hundred, where he is highly esteemed. Ilis fellow citizens, appreciating his good judgment and business ability, have called upon him to fill various offices. He has served as census enumerator of Mill Creek hundred + 1870; as tax collector of the hundred for two years; and as treasurer of New Castle county from 1850 to 1852. Mr. Moore cast his first vote for General Jackson, and his last vote for William MeKinley. Thomas Jefferson Moore was married, at New London, Chester county, Pa., April 18, 1833, to Lydia C., daughter of William and Eliza- beth (Mansel) Besson, who was born in Mill Creek hundred, May 16, 1813. Their chil- dren are: I. Jacob, born April 16, 1834; II. Louise, born December 14, 1835, widow of William Baldwin, Wilmington; III. Sarah Ann, widow of Henry Whiteman, born No- vember 6, 1837; IV. Mary E., deceased wife of Andrew J. Whiteman, born January 6, 1840, died November 25, 1866; V. Thomas Jefferson, born September 18, 1841, died April 20, 1842; VI. Lydia, born March 27, 1843, married first to James Alcorn, and after his death to Kirkpatrick, of Illinois; VII. Rachel J. (Mrs. Joseph Chambers), born September 30, 1845, died September 5, 1874; VIII. Harriet Frances Ann (Mrs. Charles E. Lewis), born April 30, 1848; IX. Susan (Mrs. Andrew J. Whiteman), born May 8, 1850; X. John Thomas, farmer, born March 12, 1852; XI. and XII. twins, Ida (Mrs. William Little), of Mill Creek hundred, and Eva (Mrs. William Chandler), of Stanton, Del., born January 25, 1854; XIII. Essie Elma (Mrs. James Little). Mrs. Moore died in 1881 and is buried in the cemetery of the Presbyterian church in White Clay Creek hundred. Mr. Moore resides with his son J. Thomas Moore; he is surrounded by his family and en- joys the presence and affection of his forty grandchildren, and thirty-three great-grand- children.

JOSEPH C. RANKIN, P. O., Newark, Del., son of Joseph and Sarah (Crawford) Rankin, was born in Mill Creek hundred, New Castle county, Del., in October, 1824.

The history of the White Clay Creek and

Mill Creek hundreds in New Castle county begins with the advent of the Rankin family, many years before the Revolutionary war. That history would lose many of its salient features by the omission of the story of the fructifying of the wilderness, and the intro- duction of Christian preaching and Christian living by the earliest immigrants of the Ran- kin name. Joseph Rankin was the first of his family to settle in New Castle county. He came from his birth place near the Clyde, in Scotland, to Delaware, and brought with him his wife and children, a rugged constitution and an indomitable will, his Bible and the memory of the teachings of John Knox. IIe was one of the earliest white settlers of White Clay Creek hundred, and chose for his habita- tion a pleasant spot near the Head of Chris- tiana. ITere he became the owner of a large 'tract of land, and immediately began its im- provement. As that section of Delaware had not been invaded by the colonists before, Mr. Rankin's undertaking was of great mag- nitude, but by indefatigable labor he cleared the greater part of the land and made it pro- ductive. Where the sound of his ax was heard went up also the music of the psalm; Mr. Rankin was one of the founders of the Head of Christiana Presbyterian church, to which he was a liberal contributor, for to his mind, civilization advanced in a halting manner, if not directed by Christian thought and prin- ciples. Mr. Rankin possessed much force of character, and impressed his upright manner of life and his solicitude for the advancement of the Christian religion upon those who were in close fellowship with him. His descend- ants furnished many pioneers in the settle- ment of the Great West, and with them they always carried their religion. Many of them have been ministers in the Presbyterian church. Mr. Rankin died on his farm about 1760, and was buried in the graveyard at the Head of Christiana creek.

Thomas Rankin, son of the pioneer Rankin in Delaware, and grandfather of Joseph C. Rankin, was born on the Rankin homestead in White Clay Creek hundred. He was a farmer, and owned a traet of 300 acres of land near the Mill Creek line. During the Revo- lutionary war he organized a company of Delaware soldiers, whose services were ac- cepted by General Washington. Mr. Rankin was captain of the company, and he and his

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John C. Fremont and his last for William MeKinley. For several years Mr. Patterson has received a liberal pension.

In Stanton, Del., in May, 1853, John A. Patterson was married to Mary, daughter of Archibald and Ann Barton, born in White Clay Creek hundred. Their children are: I. Thomas A., of Wilmington; II. Ida L. (Mrs. Joseph Guest), of Brandywine hundred; III. Alice R. (Mrs. Charles Guest), deceased; IV. George, of Los Angeles, Cal., now in Four- teenth U. S. Infantry at Manila, Philippine Islands. Mrs. Mary Patterson died in Chris- tiana, Del., February 22, 1876, and was bur- ied in White Clay Creek Presbyterian church- vard. John A. Patterson married in Chris- tiana, Del., his second wife, Lydia S. Lewis, born in Whiteleysburg, Md., daughter of George Lewis, now of Linwood, Delaware county, Pa. Their children are: I. John A., machinist, of Wilmington; II. Arthur, naval electrician on U. S. S. San Francisco ; III. Abner, on U. S. S. Texas; IV. Sallie A., stu- dent in High school, Wilmington; V. Mary I., now attending public school in Delaware; VI. Howard S. Mr. Patterson and his fam- ily are not members of any particular church, but ineline to the Presbyterian denomination.

CHRISTOPHER C. RIGHTER, J. P., P. O. Talleyville, New Castle county, Del., son of John and Margaret (McAllister) Righter, was born in Brandywine Village, now a part of Wilmington, Del., November 19, 1846.

His grandfather, Isaac Righter, was a well- known farmer and landowner of Brandywine hundred, and lived for many years near Tal- leyville. In his old age he removed to Read- ing, Pa., and spent his declining years with his son, John Righter. He was a Republican in his early life, and afterwards a Democrat. Isaac Righter married, and had children as follows: I. James; II. Martin; III. Evans; IV. John; V. William; VI. Christiana; VII. Mary; VIII. Agnes; IX. Rebecca. All are now deceased. Mr. Righter died in Reading, Mrs. Righter died in Brandywine hundred; both are buried in the Wilmington and Brandywine cemetery. Mrs. Righter was a member of the M. E. church.

John Righter, father of Christopher C. Righter, was born in Talleyville, Brandywine hundred, and was educated in the public

schools of the vicinity. He learned oak coop- ering, and for a number of years was em- ployed in the manufacture of oak barrels in Brandywine hundred. In 1850 he removed to Reading, Pa., and there engaged in busi- ness on an extensive scale as a maker of bar- rels for the distilleries. He remained there for fourteen years, after which he returned to Delaware, and purchased a farm of 71 acres near Talleyville, which he cultivated until his death, four years later. Mr. Righter was a Democrat of strong convictions, but never sought office. John Righter was married, in Brandywine hundred, to Margaret Me Allis- ter, who was born in southern Ohio. Their children were: I. Christopher C .; II. Enna; III. William, died in Cleveland, Ohio; IV. Martin, deceased; V. Margaret, died young. Mr. Righter died in 1868, and was buried in the Wilmington and Brandywine cemetery. Hle was a consistent member of the M. E. church, and his family were communicants of the same denomination. Mrs. Righter has reached the age of seventy-seven, and resides with her son, Christopher C. Righter.

Christopher C. Righter was four years old when his father removed to Reading, Pa. In that city he attended the public schools and afterwards held a position as clerk in a store for several years. In 1864 he came to Dela- ware and became his father's assistant on the farm. After his father's death, he succeeded to the control of the farm and has resided on it for the past thirty years. In 1882 Mr. Righter was appointed justice of the peace by Governor Hall, and seven years later was re- appointed by Governor Biggs. When his term of seven years had expired, he was again commissioned, for a term of four years, by Governor Tunnell. Mr. Righter has made an enviable record as a justice. During his long service only two appeals from his judg- ments have been taken to a higher court, and in only one of them was his decision reversed. HIe is well-read in the law, and cautious. He is popular both as a publie official and as a cit- izen. Mr. Righter is a member of Talleyville Lodge, No. 19, K. of P., and keeper of records of Blue Rock Castle, No. 25, K. G. E., of Tal- leyville. He has been a life-long Democrat and has served in the county executive com- mittee. In 1892 he was nominated for Levy Court commissioner, but was defeated at the polls.

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Biographical and genealogical history of the state of Delaware, Vol. I, Part 77

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